While recovering from a recent hip replacement, my husband volunteered to cook dinner one night. Since he rarely (make that never) cooks, I was not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised when he prepared and served several “real Southern dishes” (he’s from Kentucky) that were absolutely delicious. Now that the secret’s out, I’ll be expecting him to cook more often. This salad, which I call Bill’s Fresh Tomato & Cucumber Salad is perfect for a family get-together, especially on Labor Day since it uses up the delicious home-grown tomatoes and cucumbers that are piling up on the countertops and in the refrigerator. Not only is this salad easy, it is better when made a few hours ahead, so there’s no need for last minute prep. It’s pretty too, so it can be proudly presented at a pot luck gathering. Although not necessary for flavor, a sprinkling of fresh parsley adds a bit of color.

Just a note on the nutritional information in this salad – since most of the dressing stays in the bowl, the actual calories and fat are lower than stated. It’s doubtful that anyone is going to drink the dressing, so in reality, only a fraction will actually be consumed. My cookbook program, which figures the fat and calories, doesn’t take this fact into account. The bottom line is this: you can eat as much as you want!

6 Servings

5 large tomatoes, sliced, or the equivalent of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, or a mixture
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

6 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil, or vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red hot pepper

1. Place the tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers in a serving bowl.


2. Mix the remaining ingredients, pour over the tomato mixture, and stir.


3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for a few hours to allow for the flavors to blend.


4. Stir before serving.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 102 Calories from Fat 52
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 51% Protein 7% Carb. 42%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 16 mg
Total Carbohydrate 11 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 2 g

Vitamin A 22% Vitamin C 76% Calcium 0% Iron 5%