Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lb ripe heirloom tomatoes (mixed sizes), sliced into wedges or halved
  • 1 medium English cucumber, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions:

  1. Place the sliced tomatoes and cucumber into a large bowl. Sprinkle generously with the 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Toss gently to combine. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes (the 'cookTime'). This process draws out the tomato water, which mixes with the salt/sugar to form the flavorful dressing base.
  2. Add the thinly sliced red onion and the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves to the bowl.
  3. Drizzle the mixture with 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Toss gently until everything is well combined and the oil/vinegar emulsifies slightly with the released tomato liquid. Serve immediately.