My mom used to make a tomato-cucumber concoction in the summers...
fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions from the garden...
soaked in vinegar.
We just called it tomatoes and cucumbers...
my mom said it was a hillbilly thing.
I found out later in life, that it wasn't just a hillbilly thing, but a real thing,
and it was called, tomato-cucumber salad.
adding the "salad" makes all the difference.
So when I read this recipe, "balsamic vegetable salad,"
my first thought wasn't, 'oh this is just tomato-cucumber salad.'
Because "balsamic vegetables" sounds more exotic than "tomatoes and cucumbers" any day.
However! that's exactly what this is...
tomato-cucumber salad with a little zing and a fancy name.
My mom would have loved it...
the dish itself, and the fact she could use "balsamic" in more conversations.
The recipe doesn't call for onions, but I think they would be a good addition...
and some torn-up crusty bread.
a hillbilly panzanella.
now that's fancy.
BALSAMIC VINEGAR SALAD
(6 servings)
3 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
3 medium cucumbers, peeled, halved, & sliced (I used 2)
1/2c olive oil
1/4c balsamic vinegar (I added a generous splash too, for good measure!)
3T water
1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
In a salad bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, water, and dressing mix.
Add tomatoes and cucumbers, and toss gently to coat.
