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In my kitchen I love to whip up refreshing treats and this tomato cucumber salad is my little summer go-to. I make it with my signature dressing that blends yuzu ponzu and sesame oil. It's my favorite dish when I'm craving something light and tasty that really lets the simple ingredients shine.
A wonderful flavor combination
I'm crazy about how my juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers transform when they meet my sesame ponzu dressing. The magic happens when the rich sesame oil mingles with the tangy ponzu. This is my quick favorite for hot days when I need something cool and refreshing.
My dish's key players
- Tomatoes: 1, or cherry tomatoes, chopped into pieces for natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Cucumbers: 2, thinly sliced for their cool crunch.
- Sesame oil: 1/2 teaspoon, for a deep, toasty flavor.
- Ponzu sauce: 1 tablespoon (I always go for the yuzu kind for its special citrus kick).
- Ground sesame seeds: Amount to taste, for a subtle nutty hint and texture.
My simple approach
- Veggie cutting
- I start by cutting my tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and my cucumbers into thin slices. I put them together in my prettiest salad bowl.
- Sesame drizzling
- I gently pour my sesame oil over my veggies to give them that toasty flavor I love so much.
- Finishing touches
- I add my ponzu sauce and ground sesame seeds carefully so I don't squish my veggies.
- Cooling time
- I let my salad chill in the fridge then serve it on pretty plates for a truly refreshing treat.
My special tricks
I always pick ripe, fragrant tomatoes - it makes all the difference. Sometimes I throw in some fresh cilantro or chives depending on my mood. My special touch is using yuzu ponzu which brings that unique citrus note I can't get enough of.
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How I serve it best
I serve my salad as a starter when I'm making sushi or grilled fish. I like to put it in small individual bowls and I always sprinkle some sesame seeds at the last minute for the look and the crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's ponzu sauce?
- Ponzu is a citrusy Japanese sauce made with soy sauce. It's tangy, savory, and great for fresh veggies.
- → How do I pick good cucumbers?
- Look for firm, green cucumbers without soft spots. Lebanese or Japanese cucumbers are less watery and work well.
- → Can I make this salad beforehand?
- It's best made just before serving. For prep ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix in right before eating.
- → How do I grind sesame seeds?
- Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Or, buy pre-ground sesame seeds like gomasio—it comes with salt too!
- → What's a good substitute for ponzu?
- Mix soy sauce with some lemon juice if you don't have ponzu. It won't be identical but still tastes fresh and tangy.