Cucumber and Tomato Salad With Cilantro and Mint

Recipe from Edward Khechemyan

Adapted by Mark Bittman

Updated May 10, 2017

  • Jim Wilson/The New York Times
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(988)
Comments
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Greater Los Angeles is a collection smaller cities, including Glendale, a center of the Armenian diaspora and home to one of the world’s largest Armenian populations outside Armenia. Fleeing religious violence in the late 19th century, genocide in the early 20th or the Soviet Union after that, Armenian Californians became integral in the development of the fig, raisin and bulgur businesses. They also opened restaurants. This salad comes from one of them, Adana. The chef and owner, Edward Khechemyan, gave me the recipe in 2013. —Mark Bittman

Featured in: This Armenian Life

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped

  • 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped

  • ½ small white onion, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons chopped purple or green basil

  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

  • ½ teaspoon dried mint

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red chili powder (or ancho chile powder)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

10 grams carbs; 72 calories; 3 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 4 grams fat; 2 grams fiber; 310 milligrams sodium; 2 grams protein; 5 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl; toss, and serve.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
988 user ratings
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Comments

Marjorie L

Microwave is the *best* way to dry mint -- or any herbs. Microwaving preserves the flavor and especially the color of herbs. There's no comparison to air dried herbs.

Place the fresh (clean) herbs on a towel (or paper towel) on a plate. Put another towel on top. Microwave on high for about one minute. The towel will absorb lots of water. Use another dry towel to finish drying -- this time in short bursts of 20 seconds or so. Don't overdo it! They are dry before they even look dry!

cc

I prepared this early to leave in the fridge for dinner tonight. I let it sit on the counter for a bit, to let the flavors blend, before tasting. Big mistake. It's now gone. I ate every bit and love, loved it! Fresh tasting and wonderful complex flavors. A new favorite.

kk

Good idea to let sit on the counter for a bit to blend flavors, but refrigerating tomatoes is a flavor-killer. NEVER refrigerate tomatoes!

Kathleen

Just made it. I do prefer the cucumbers and onions sliced thinly but try adding fresh summer corn off the cob. Delish!!

Evan

Absolutely fantastic. First time making this salad. Used Kashmiri chili powder which gave it a nice smokiness and a bit of heat. Our new go-to easy salad.

alex

Added a can of cannellini beans for some extra heartiness. A great summer side.

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Credits

Adapted from Edward Khechemyan, Adana, Los Angeles

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