Ingredients:

  • large English Cucumber
  • large Ripe Tomatoes (or 1 pint)
  • /4 cup finely minced Red Onion (or 2 shallots)
  • /4 cup packed Fresh Mint Leaves, finely chopped
  • tablespoons packed Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
  • tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • /2 teaspoon Cumin Powder
  • /4 teaspoon Paprika (Sweet or Smoked)
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • /2 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste)
  • /4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions:

  1. Dice the cucumber and tomatoes into roughly uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch or 1.25 cm). Place them in the large mixing bowl.
  2. Finely mince the red onion and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes.
  3. Roughly chop the fresh mint and parsley. Add these vibrant greens to the vegetables.
  4. In a separate small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies slightly.
  5. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together using a large spoon or tongs, ensuring all the vegetables are coated without crushing them.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the spices to bloom and the vegetables to marry the flavours. Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving.