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Tag: tomato

  • Weekly Meal Plan Sep 23, 2024

    Weekly Meal Plan Sep 23, 2024

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    Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!

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    Holly Nilsson

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  • Can I Harvest Green Tomatoes? Tips for Ripening and Harvesting – Garden Therapy

    Can I Harvest Green Tomatoes? Tips for Ripening and Harvesting – Garden Therapy

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    It’s just days away from the first frost, and you’re looking at your green tomatoes wishing they would just hurry up already. I’ve been there…we’ve all been there! Fret not, for there is plenty you can do with your green tomatoes to turn them red and tasty off the vine.

    Near the end of the gardening season, gardeners watch the weather like hawks. Every day, we check to see if the dreaded first frost is coming.

    For many of our plants that require a long growing season, every second counts! Sometimes, we can harvest in time, and other times, we just don’t get enough growing days and sunshine to get there.

    Tomatoes are one I’m always keeping an eye on. I harvest them beginning in August, and can have a couple months of garden fresh tomatoes if I’m lucky. But nearing the end, I cross my fingers at the small green tomatoes and hope they can make it.

    If you have a frost coming, and you’re worried your tomatoes won’t ripen in time, there is hope for your green tomatoes. In fact, some gardeners actually prefer to harvest them when they’re green!

    Let me tell you why and how you can actually ripen your green tomatoes off the vine.

    Currant tomato vine dangling down the side of a raised vertical gardenCurrant tomato vine dangling down the side of a raised vertical garden
    Tomatoes on the same vine may ripen at different speeds.

    How a Tomato Ripens

    When tomatoes first begin to grow, they’re vivid green. As they slowly reach mature size, they become pale green. Once a tomato has reached its full size, the flavour development is mostly done.

    Tomatoes will begin to blush, which is known as the breaker stage. At this point, they are about half green and half red. During the breaker stage, the tomato has sealed off its stem from the plant, and nothing is moving from the plant into the fruit.

    When the tomato reaches this breaker stage, it can be harvested off the vine. It will ripen and taste the exact same as if it had been left to ripen on a vine.

    Many people like to harvest at the breaker stage to prevent insects and birds from feasting on their tomatoes and stop the tomatoes from splitting themselves or sunscalding.

    cheery tomato vine on the plant with red tomatoes up top and green tomatoes at the bottom of the vinecheery tomato vine on the plant with red tomatoes up top and green tomatoes at the bottom of the vine
    The bottom left tomato is a good representation of the breaker stage.

    Can I Harvest Green Tomatoes?

    For many gardeners, they don’t have time to let the tomatoes even get to the blushing breaker stage. If a frost is imminent, you’ll want to get tomatoes off the plant.

    You can absolutely harvest tomatoes that are green but full-size. These will ripen off the plant. Those that aren’t full-sized won’t ripen once picked because they weren’t fully developed yet.

    green, red, yellow, and black heirloom tomatoesgreen, red, yellow, and black heirloom tomatoes
    Some heirloom tomatoes are actually naturally green when ripe, like these Green Zebra heirloom tomatoes.

    Tips for Ripening Green Tomatoes

    Once you have your green tomatoes off the plant and inside, there are a few things you can do to help them turn from green to red.

    Temperature

    Tomatoes like to develop best in warm temperatures. Anywhere from 24-29 °C (75-85 °F) degrees is best for indoor ripening. Placing them on a sunny windowsill can help.

    Add Ethylene Gas

    Tomatoes naturally produce ethylene gas as they mature and turn red. Many commercial growers will actually ripen tomatoes by exposing them to ethylene gas. They’re picked when they’re green and then they use controlled exposure of ethylene to turn them red in time to put on grocery store shelves.

    You can use this same method at home by placing your tomatoes in a paper bag or a cardboard box and closing it up. The tomatoes will naturally produce ethylene themselves and slowly ripen, but you can speed up the process by placing a ripe banana alongside them. Other fruits such as mangos, apples, or avocados also work.

    Check on the tomatoes regularly. They will ripen at different speeds depending on what stage they were picked at. Remove any that are ripe or may show signs of spoilage.

    Leave Them on the Vine

    Keep the stem intact. When harvesting your tomatoes, leave a little bit of stem rather than pulling just the tomato off. This will help the tomatoes ripen better.

    wicker bowl of red and green tomatoes freshly harvestedwicker bowl of red and green tomatoes freshly harvested
    Let your tomatoes sit on the countertop while they ripen.

    Storing Your Tomatoes

    Do. Not. Put your tomatoes in the fridge. Once you put the tomatoes in the fridge, you completely halt the ripening process. You’ll also notice a reduction in flavour, as the aromatic compounds in the fruit will break down when exposed to cool temperatures.

    Of course, if you’re storing them for a while, you can move them into the fridge to help make them last longer. But you want to keep them on the counter or fruit bowl if you can help it!

    When storing, it’s also a good idea to put the tomatoes upside down with the stem on the bottom. The shoulders of the tomato help to distribute the weight evenly, and your tomatoes will last longer.

    heirloom tomato varieties in yellow, purple, orange, green, and redheirloom tomato varieties in yellow, purple, orange, green, and red
    Tomatoes are best left at room temperature to maintain their flavour.

    Eating Green Tomatoes

    Of course, you can also eat your green tomatoes! This is a completely different experience from eating a ripe red tomato. Green tomatoes are quite crunchy and have a tart taste.

    The most common way to enjoy green tomatoes is to fry them. Cover them with a breadcrumb coating with spices and fry them in a pan until they’re golden brown.

    You can also try pickling them. I haven’t tried this myself, but I would probably do it in a similar way to how I make my pickled shishito peppers.

    green zebra tomato with stem still attached in a white studiogreen zebra tomato with stem still attached in a white studio
    Green zebra heirloom tomato.

    FAQ About Green Tomatoes

    What happens when tomatoes freeze?

    Once a tomato freezes, it will turn to mush when it defrosts, and the plant itself will wilt and turn brown. So, it’s important to pick those green tomatoes off the plant if a first frost is on its way!

    How long do tomatoes take to ripen?

    It’s going to depend greatly based on the type of tomato you have. Indeterminate tomatoes (the vining ones) will fruit at different times, so you could enjoy some tomatoes now, and others two months later from the same plant. Determinate tomatoes will all fruit at once, giving you one large harvest.

    Most tomatoes need 65-90 days from seed before you’ll begin to see any tomatoes. Once you see a flower, that will turn into a tomato fruit in about 15-20 days.

    How do you tell when a green tomato is ripe?

    The best way to tell if a tomato has reached full size is by its colouring. Compare it to other tomatoes on the vine. If it’s starting to change colour ever so slightly, such as yellowish-green or has a slight pink hue (usually begins at the bottom of the tomato), it’s ripe and can be picked to turn red inside.

    More Tips for Preserving and Harvesting Tomatoes

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • What to Do With Tomatoes From a Harvest: How to Preserve and Ripen

    What to Do With Tomatoes From a Harvest: How to Preserve and Ripen

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    You have worked hard cultivating your garden and have been rewarded with a tomato harvest—now what? This post will show you exactly how to enjoy the fruits of your labour (pun intended!). Here’s what to do with tomatoes, whether they are ripe or still green.

    As summer comes to an end, it leaves us with an abundant bounty of fresh, delicious food. It is wonderful to bite into a ripe, sun-warmed tomato at this time of year, but it also feels a little sad because you know that the cold season is coming and soon you’ll have to wait almost a whole year for the fresh taste of summer.

    Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way! Take a little time now to learn about preserving tomatoes. These simple methods will help you find comfort in the sunny taste of summer, even in the dead of winter.

    This post will cover…

    What to Do With Tomatoes

    With a little planning and simple preparation, you can harvest that bounty of tomatoes in your garden and preserve them for the winter months. Whether you want the easiest possible method (freezing) or something a bit more complex (canning), the techniques outlined in this post are straightforward and practical.

    Growing tomatoes is great for everyone, beginners and pros alike because they are super easy to grow. Plus, the flavour of the homegrown version is unparalleled in the grocery store.

    There are so many varieties of tomato that you can surely find some that suit your garden. Small-space gardeners can choose dwarf or container plants, short-season growers can choose fast-maturing varieties. Even those who live in rainy climates (like me!) can grow tomatoes that produce well on cloudy days.

    How to Plant an Upside Down Tomato cherry tomatoesHow to Plant an Upside Down Tomato cherry tomatoes
    I live in a pretty rainy climate and can still grow a bounty of tomatoes every year.

    With all of these options, it’s hard to not have a bumper crop of tomatoes ready at the end of the season. Having more harvest than you know what to do with is overwhelming, not only because you find yourself scrambling to add them to every meal possible but because you know how much you’ll miss them in the winter.

    When you’re overwhelmed with a crop, it’s impossible not to start taking it for granted and get a little tired of eating it. But, come January, you’ll be wishing for that fresh summer taste that you can no longer get your hands on.

    Luckily, there are multiple ways to take when preserving that allow you to enjoy them in the colder months. If the weather is beginning to cool or your tomato plants have succumbed to the dreaded Late Blight, then it’s time to harvest the lot of them and put them away for the winter.

    Here are some ideas to help you figure out what to do with tomatoes.

    A handful of tiny tomatoesA handful of tiny tomatoes
    Don’t let the tomatoes go to waste on the vine. You can quickly save them for a wintery day.

    Freeze Tomatoes

    This is a great way to use a large crop, and it couldn’t be easier. Here are the three steps to follow:

    1. Simply wash ripe tomatoes and remove the stems. I recommend following the steps in this post about how to wash fruit and vegetables properly.
    2. Gently pat them dry.
    3. Pop them into a freezer bag and freeze them until ready to use.

    What to Do with Frozen Tomatoes

    First of all, it’s important to note that once frozen, the texture will change. Thawed tomatoes are not firm like the fresh ones are, but if you are planning to use them in cooking, they are quick and easy to remove from the bag and toss in the recipe.

    I find myself reaching for these tomatoes whenever I want to make sauce, soups, or casseroles. The flavour is excellent for these saucy kind of foods.

    Garden tomatoes ready to freeze in a plastic bagGarden tomatoes ready to freeze in a plastic bag
    You can’t eat frozen tomatoes thawed. They should be cooked into something.

    Dehydrate Tomatoes

    Grab a dehydrator and make some dried tomatoes! These taste just like the sun-dried version that was in just about everything 20 years ago. Drying grape tomatoes at home makes for a delicious way to preserve them for the winter months. Here’s how you can easily dehydrate tomatoes:

    1. Cut cherry or grape tomatoes in half.
    2. Add them to the layers of a food dehydrator. You can also use the oven and place them on a baking sheet in the oven on low for 8-12 hours
    3. Store in an airtight container.

    What to Do With Dehydrated Tomatoes

    This is one of my favourite methods I use when figuring out what to do with tomatoes from my garden. I love the taste and find myself adding them to everything. A few ideas include:

    • Add them to your pizza or quiche
    • Marinate them in herbs and oil to serve with antipasto
    • Layer them in a salad
    • Sprinkle them onto your favourite dinner

    Honestly, you can’t go wrong with these! A little goes a long way so be conservative.

    A pan of dehydrated tomatoes in the ovenA pan of dehydrated tomatoes in the oven
    Dehydrating works best with the little tomatoes, cherry or grape.

    Can Tomato Sauces, Soups, and More

    Of course, one of the most popular options when wondering what to do with tomatoes is canning. You can cook tomatoes and make a variety of different recipes, such as pasta sauce, soup, salsa, and pizza sauce. I like to roast the tomatoes with garlic first and then use them in the recipe.

    As with all canning recipes, be sure to follow the ingredients and process them accordingly, as canning can be dangerous if not done properly.

    jars of homemade tomato saucejars of homemade tomato sauce
    Add a custom label, and this pizza sauce will also be a great gift.

    What to Do With Green Tomatoes

    At the end of the season, you will usually end up with a bunch of tomatoes in various stages of ripening, meaning you’ll have quite a bit of green tomatoes.

    While green tomatoes are lovely fried and in salsa, there is an easy way to ripen the rest of the crop indoors where it’s still toasty warm. Choose to ripen only the tomatoes that are clean and disease-free.

    How to Ripen Green Tomatoes

    Ripening green tomatoes is simple! All you will need to do is:

    1. Keep them on the vine as you are picking them.
    2. Set them in a box or bowl away from direct sunlight.
    3. Check them every day and remove those that have ripened.

    Easy and delicious!

    Green tomatoes ripening indoorsGreen tomatoes ripening indoors
    Those green tomatoes that aren’t on the vine won’t ripen.

    Save Your Tomato Seeds for Next Year

    Perhaps the most important part of what to do with tomatoes for gardeners is saving the seeds. This will allow you to have another great harvest next year! Learn all about how to save tomato seeds through fermentation here.

    Saving tomato seeds is a little different than other veggie seeds, as you must ferment them.

    FAQ About Harvesting Tomatoes

    How do I know my tomatoes are ready to be picked?

    Tomatoes begin to ripen from the bottom, turning from green to various shades of red, yellow, and orange. To know when to pick the tomato, look at the bottom. When it starts to soften ever so lightly, it’s time to harvest.

    If you want to eat it right away, pick it when the colour has reached the top. If you want to eat it in a day or two, leave a little bit of green at the top. It will fully ripen on your counter in a day, protected from rain and insects.

    Where do you cut the tomatoes when harvesting?

    Leave a little bit of vine on your tomato until you’re ready to eat. If all the tomatoes on one vine are ready at the same time, I will clip the whole vine and leave the tomatoes attached. But if they’re all ready at different stages, I take one at a time, leaving the top bit of vine that connected it to the plant.

    Should I pick my tomatoes before they turn red?

    It’s completely up to you. You can pick them just before they’re ready, as mentioned above, or when they’re fully ripe. Keep in mind that when they’re fully ripe, they’re more likely to be eaten by birds or insects like tomato hornworms. They can also split if they receive a sudden intake of water, such as a from a rainstorm. That being said, you can get slightly better flavour if you allow it to ripen fully on the vine.

    Garden Tomatoes in a RowGarden Tomatoes in a Row

    More Ways to Preserve Garden Produce

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Easy Watermelon Summer Salad

    Easy Watermelon Summer Salad

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    This sweet and savory Easy Watermelon Summer Salad is perfect for summer—all the goodness without the guilt! You just need to cut out some fresh ingredients, toss, and enjoy. It’s done in 15 minutes.

    Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe

    Savory-sweet summer salads are the BEST!! Please, drum rolls…. Meet my Easy Watermelon Summer Salad.

    This Easy Watermelon Summer Salad is so easy to make that I can barely call it a recipe. It’s just cutting out some fresh ingredients, tossing, and enjoying—all the goodness without the guilt. It’s done in 15 minutes.

    I’m not always drawn to try unusual combinations, and to be honest, watermelon salad wasn’t something I was thrilled to taste. I am so glad I ventured out of my comfort zone. I loved this salad.

    This surprising and refreshing summer salad It’s sweet and savory. Perfect for summer!

    Watercress Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette, Honey Chipotle Barbecue Chicken Salad, and Easy Fish and Mango Ceviche are some of my favorite summer recipes to try.

    Watermelon Summer Salad in a serving plate over a green kitchen towel.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

    For the Salad:

    • Watermelon
    • Cherry tomatoes – I used mixed medley tomatoes.
    • English cucumber
    • Queso fresco
    • Fresh basil and mint leaves

    For the Dressing:

    • Olive oil
    • Honey
    • Lemon or Lime juice
    • Salt and black pepper

    How to Make Watermelon Salad

    Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

    1. Cut

      Cut the watermelon and cucumbers into small cubes. Then, half the tomatoes.

    2. Chop The Herbs

      To amp up the flavor and freshness, I added both basil and mint leaves, but you can choose one or the other if you prefer.

    3. Mix

      Mix the watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a salad bowl or serving plate.

    4. Dress

      Toss with dressing. Then top with feta and serve.

    Easy Watermelon Summer Salad on a white serving plate over a green kitchen towel.

    Recipe Tips

    Watermelon: You can either use a melon baller to scoop the watermelon out into balls, or use a knife to cut the watermelon into squares.

    Extras to add-in. Feel free to get creative with this salad. Try adding in diced red onion, sliced avocado, or some fresh arugula or baby spinach for more greens.

    Seeds: I recommend buying a seedless watermelon and cucumber to save time.

    Variations

    • Mediterranean Watermelon Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, Kalamata olives, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, fresh oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
    • Spicy Watermelon Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, avocado, red onion, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
    • Watermelon and Arugula Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, baby arugula, goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Tropical Watermelon Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, mango, pineapple, fresh basil, lime zest, honey, and sea salt.
    • Asian-Inspired Watermelon Salad – Ingredients: Watermelon, cucumber, edamame, fresh mint, fresh cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey.

    Serving Ideas

    I love to serve this salad with Easy Honey Chipotle Grilled Shrimp , Easy Sausage and Veggies Foil Packets with Grilled Chipotle Mangoes, or Easy Chipotle Steak Bites. Don’t forget the 3-Minute Instant Pot Corn on the Cob and a summer cocktail.

    For a simpler, lovely meal, serve with a piece of crusty bread or as a side dish to practically any grilled meat or fish for a perfect summer bite.

    Storing Instructions

    Store: This salad tastes best if served the first day. Watermelon is a super watery fruit, so it won’t hold up too long in the refrigerator.

    Watermelon Summer Salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

    More Summer Egg-Free Salad Recipes You’ll Love!

    Recipe Card 📖

    Easy Watermelon Summer Salad on a white serving plate over a green kitchen towel and dressing and serving spoons on the side.

    Easy Watermelon Summer Salad

    64569017466b70122dc3c6f02423c7db?s=30&d=mm&r=gOriana Romero

    This sweet and savory Easy Watermelon Summer Salad is perfect for summer! You just need to cut out some fresh ingredients, toss and enjoy. All the goodness without the guilt. Done in 15 minutes. 

    Prep Time 15 minutes

    Total Time 15 minutes

    Servings 6 servings

    Ingredients 

    For the Honey Citrus Dressing:

    Instructions 

    Make the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

    Make the Salad:

    • In a large salad bowl combine watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs; mix to combine.

    • Gently toss with the dressing. Then, topped with crumbled feta and serve Extra Tip: I also like to drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze just before serving, but this is totally optional, but add a nice extra layer of flavor.
      Store: This salad tastes best if served the first day. Watermelon is a super watery fruit, so it won’t hold up too long in the refrigerator.   Recipe Tips:
    • Watermelon: You can either use a melon baller to scoop the watermelon out into balls, or use a knife to cut the watermelon into squares.
    • Extras to add in: Feel free to get creative with this salad. Try adding in diced red onion, sliced avocado, or some bean sprouts, fresh arugula or baby spinach for more greens.
    • Seeds: I recommend buying a seedless watermelon and cucumber to save time.
       
    I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!Recipe reviews on the website are extremely valuable to other readers online. So, please don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating below.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 91mgPotassium: 473mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1265IUVitamin C: 37.8mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 1.3mg

    Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

    Course Salad

    Cuisine American

    Calories 93

    Keyword easy salad summer watermelon

    Originally posted in May 2019, the post content was edited to add more helpful information, with no change to the recipe in July 2022.  

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  • Weekly Meal Plan July 29, 2024

    Weekly Meal Plan July 29, 2024

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    Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!

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    Holly Nilsson

    Source link

  • Weekly Meal Plan July 15, 2024

    Weekly Meal Plan July 15, 2024

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    Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!

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    Holly Nilsson

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  • Your Neighbor’s Tomato Cucumber Salad – Oh Sweet Basil

    Your Neighbor’s Tomato Cucumber Salad – Oh Sweet Basil

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    What is it about the combination of tomatoes, cucumber and onions that is so dang good?! Am I right? It’s like the summer salad trifecta! This is the best tomato cucumber salad recipe ever!

    It seems like every year we head off to some BBQ and someone that claims to hate cooking shows up with the most perfectly delicious recipe out of the whole neighborhood. And 9/10 it seems to be a tomato cucumber salad. SO! I’ve changed our neighbor’s recipe slightly and am here to beg you to pin it, especially those who say that they can’t cook because you DEFINITELY can cook this!!

    It is so light and refreshing and perfect to cool down on a hot summer day! The dressing is tangy and flavorful without weighing the salad down. There are few things worse than a salad that is drowning in dressing! And this easy salad is healthy!

    Ingredients for Tomato Cucumber Salad

    Made with all fresh ingredients, here is your shopping list for this salad recipe:

    Salad

    • Vine Cocktail Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes also work great)
    • English Cucumber
    • Brown Sugar
    • Red Onion
    • Parsley (fresh)
    • Cilantro (fresh)
    • Salt
    • Pepper

    Dressing

    • Olive Oil
    • Red Wine Vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar make good substitutes)
    • Lemon Juice
    • Black Pepper
    • Kosher Salt
    • Garlic
    • Brown Sugar
    • Fresh Basil (dried can also be used, but fresh herbs makes all the difference)

    The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post. You can save or print the recipe there as well.

    a photo of all the ingredients for tomato cucumber salad in a large bowl before the salald has been mixed together.

    How to Make Tomato Cucumber Salad

    Salads are simple and this recipe is great for making ahead of time. You are basically going to chop up all the ingredients, pour the dressing over and then let it sit until ready to serve.

    1. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and then halve the wedges and place them in a large bowl.
    2. Cut the cucumber into bite size pieces and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
    3. Add the rest of the salad ingredients and toss everything together.
    4. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a glass measuring cup. Pour over the tomato salad.
    5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature until ready to serve.

    All of these instructions in greater detail can be found below in the recipe card.

    a photo of homemade dressing being poured over the top of tomato cucumber salad in a large white bowl.a photo of homemade dressing being poured over the top of tomato cucumber salad in a large white bowl.

    English Cucumber vs Cucumber

    “Regular” cucumbers have a thicker and more waxy skin and are cheaper. They also have lots of seeds that should be removed for salads like this one.

    English cucumbers have a thinner skin and are seedless. They are more expensive but are less work. No peeling or seeding needed. You can use either for this salad, but I prefer the taste of the English cucumber. You can find them in the same area as the regular cucumbers. They are longer and skinnier and are usually wrapped in plastic.

    Possible Add-Ins

    If you want to add more ingredients to this salad, here are a few possibilities:

    • Avocado
    • Peas
    • Feta Cheese
    • Mozzarella Balls

    Feel free to make it your own and add the ingredients that you love.

    a photo of a large white ceramic bowl full of tomato cucumber salad with red onions and fresh herb homemade dressing.a photo of a large white ceramic bowl full of tomato cucumber salad with red onions and fresh herb homemade dressing.

    Can I Make This Salad Ahead?

    This cucumber tomato onion salad recipe can be made up to a day ahead of time. For the best flavor, the ideal time for it to sit before eating is 1-6 hours. If you need to make it earlier than that, store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat it. I do prefer it at room temperature.

    How Long Does Tomato Cucumber Salad Keep?

    Store this salad in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days. It will keep longer if you store the tomatoes separately. Tomatoes start to breakdown earlier than the cucumber and onions.

    a photo of a tomato cucumber salad with red onions and fresh herb homemade dressing all in a large ceramic bowl.a photo of a tomato cucumber salad with red onions and fresh herb homemade dressing all in a large ceramic bowl.

    What to Eat with Tomato Cucumber Salad?

    I always make this salad as a side dish for something grilled or smoked. It just seems right. Here are a few of our favorite main dishes to eat with this salad:

    If none of those are what you are after, you can find all our grilled recipes and smoked recipes here on the blog. It also makes a great picnic side.

    You don’t need to be a chef to make this tomato cucumber salad, but all your friends are going to think you are! I guarantee it will be the hit of your next backyard BBQ!

    More Fabulous Salad Recipes:

    Servings: 6

    Prep Time: 20 minutes

    Resting Time: 1 hour

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • Cut each tomato in 6-8 wedges and then halve them.

    • Trim the ends off of the cucumber and then slice in half lengthwise, creating two pieces. Slice in 1/4″ pieces.

    • Toss tomatoes with the brown sugar, onion, and herbs with salt and pepper.

    • In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the tomato salad.

    • Cover in plastic for 1-6 hours on the counter or refrigerate if longer. This is best served the day of and is delicious served with grilled or toasted crostini bread!

    Serving: 1CupCalories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 525mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 866IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg

    Author: Sweet Basil

    Course: 100 + Salad Recipes to Obsess Over

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    a photo of a tomato cucumber salad with red onions and fresh herb homemade dressing all in a large ceramic bowl.a photo of a tomato cucumber salad with red onions and fresh herb homemade dressing all in a large ceramic bowl.

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    Sweet Basil

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  • Chicken Caesar Wrap

    Chicken Caesar Wrap

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    Take your favorite salad on the go, with this easy handheld chicken Caesar wrap.

    Seasoned chicken, crispy romaine lettuce, and tomatoes are drizzled with a classic Caesar dressing before being rolled into a tortilla.

    Chicken Caesar Wrap cut in half on a plate with a toothpickChicken Caesar Wrap cut in half on a plate with a toothpick
    • Wraps are great on the go, and they’re simple to prep ahead.
    • They’re delicious & customizable; I’ve included my favorite additions and variations below.
    • You can use homemade Caesar dressing—or swap in bottled dressing to make them extra quick.
    • Chicken Caesar wraps are popular at Subway and Panera, but less expensive (and more delicious) when made at home.
    tortilla , oil, lettuce , caesar dressing , bacon , chicken , parmesan , cajun seasoning , lemon and tomato with labels to make Chicken Caesar Wraptortilla , oil, lettuce , caesar dressing , bacon , chicken , parmesan , cajun seasoning , lemon and tomato with labels to make Chicken Caesar Wrap

    Here’s What You’ll Need

    These wraps combine all of the flavors of our fave chicken Caesar salad in a hand held bite.

    • Tortillas: I use large flour tortillas in this recipe as they’re softer and pliable, so they won’t break.
    • Chicken: Chicken breasts or thighs with a little cajun seasoning are my favorite in this recipe. If you’ve got leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, that works too!
    • Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is traditional in a Caesar salad and it holds up well and has lots of crunch. You can also use kale (be sure to massage it first as we do in our kale caesar salad).
    • Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty and umami flavor. Manchego and Asiago have similar salty, bright flavors that work well in this recipe.
    • Dressing: If time allows, I recommend my homemade Caesar dressing—I promise it’s easy! You can use bottled dressed, jazz it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra tang!

    Take a shortcut for an easy meal on a busy weeknight!

    Buy a Caesar salad kit – complete with dressing and washed lettuce and toss it together. Tuck it into tortillas with either rotisserie chicken or crispy chicken tenders.

    Variations

    • Bacon bits and homemade croutons are classic additions to a Caesar salad.
    • Sliced or chopped avocado is a definite yes from me! I love how it adds a touch of extra creaminess to every bite.
    • Up the protein with chopped boiled egg.

    How to Make a Chicken Caesar Wrap

    Turn a classic Caesar salad into a deliciously portable meal.

    1. In a large pan, cook and slice chicken (recipe below).
    2. Toss lettuce, parmesan cheese, bacon bits (optional), dressing, and lemon juice.
    3. Divide chicken over soft flour tortillas and top with lettuce, tomatoes, parmesan, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing. Fold and serve.
    plated Chicken Caesar Wrapplated Chicken Caesar Wrap

    Best Way to Store Wraps

    • Prep the wrap filling in advance without the dressing and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
    • Store wraps in the fridge tightly wrapped in plastic or foil for up to 3 days.

    My Favorite Wrap Recipes

    Did you enjoy this Chicken Caesar Wrap recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below!

    Chicken Caesar Wrap cut in half on a plate with a toothpickChicken Caesar Wrap cut in half on a plate with a toothpick

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    Chicken Caesar Wrap

    Chicken Caesar salad wraps are easy to make for a delicious lunch or dinner.

    Prep Time 25 minutes

    Cook Time 5 minutes

    Total Time 30 minutes

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    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • With a filet knife, cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets, ½-inch thick.

    • Season with Cajun seasoning, making sure to cover all of the chicken.
    • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate to rest.

    • In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese, and bacon bits (if using). Add ¾ cup of dressing and the juice of half a lemon and toss well to combine.

    • Chop the chicken.

    • Place the tortillas on a plate and top with a damp paper towel. Cover with plastic wrap (or a second plate, inverted) and warm in the microwave for 20 seconds.

    • Divide the lettuce mixture over the tortillas, top with the chicken and diced tomato. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

    • Roll the tortilla, burrito-style, and serve immediately.

    *Use store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning. Cajun seasoning can be replaced with your favorite chicken seasoning, or salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
    **For the best flavor, use real bacon bits or cooked and crumbled bacon. If using real bacon bits, I microwave them on a paper towel for about 40 seconds to crisp.
    ***Use bottled Caesar dressing or make this quick Caesar salad dressing
    Store wraps in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Calories: 663 | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 1332mg | Potassium: 829mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 9334IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 266mg | Iron: 4mg

    Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

    Course Lunch, Sandwich
    Cuisine American
    healthy Chicken Caesar Wrap with writinghealthy Chicken Caesar Wrap with writing
    close up of Chicken Caesar Wrap with a titleclose up of Chicken Caesar Wrap with a title
    Chicken Caesar Wrap cut in half on a plate with a titleChicken Caesar Wrap cut in half on a plate with a title
    adding ingredients to tortilla for Chicken Caesar Wrap and plated dish with a titleadding ingredients to tortilla for Chicken Caesar Wrap and plated dish with a title

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    Holly Nilsson

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  • Weekly Meal Plan July 1, 2024

    Weekly Meal Plan July 1, 2024

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    Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!

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  • SOUTHERN TOMATO GRAVY

    SOUTHERN TOMATO GRAVY

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    Southern Tomato Gravy is a staple in our house! This tomato based gravy is wonderful over biscuits, rice, or mashed potatoes.

    Southern Tomato Gravy

    If you are a fan of biscuits and gravy, you may also want to try this delicious Chocolate Gravy. It’s a classic for a reason and wonderful to enjoy on Christmas morning.

    ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE

    Southern Tomato Gravy is a staple in our house and it’s such a versatile recipe. It’s wonderful over biscuits, rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. You can also use tomato gravy in hamburger dishes and it’s a great way to use those delicious garden tomatoes.

    🍴KEY INGREDIENTS

    • Fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped (can use a 14.5 ounce can of tomatoes)
    • Bacon drippings
    • All-purpose flour
    • Water (some prefer to use milk instead of water)
    • Sugar
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Garlic powder

    SWAPS

    You can add different seasonings to this dish to give it a different flavor. You could add basil, oregano, Italian seasonings, etc. Or you can add some dillweed, it’s super versatile but we love it just this way.

    🍽️HOW TO MAKE

    This is a very simple dish to make and you can throw it together quickly for breakfast or dinner. We love simple recipe and feel they are the best for a reason!

    COOKING STEPS

    Step 1
    Cut up tomatoes in bowl. Add the salt, pepper, sugar and garlic powder and mix with a spoon.  Put bacon drippings in a hot skillet on stove top.  

    Step 2
    Add flour and make a roux or cook until thick.  Pour in tomatoes and water and cook until the consistency of gravy.  Serve over biscuits, rice, noodles or mashed potatoes.

    Southern Tomato Gravy

    ⭐TIP

    We feel the bacon grease really takes this gravy to the next level. You can always use vegetable oil, but it won’t be nearly as good as it will be with the bacon grease. You can also sprinkle cooked bacon on top of the gravy…. so good! This is also really good over meatloaf!

    OTHER TOMATO RECIPES

    • Southern Tomato Pie – This is a southern staple and a must-make each summer with fresh garden tomatoes. It’s so good and always a hit!
    • Red Tomato Preserves – This is a great recipe for tomato preserves and we love it on biscuits! This recipe has been in our family for many many years.
    • Fresh Canned Salsa – This is another great recipe for fresh garden tomatoes! We love making our own salsa and this is a great one.

    GRAVY & OTHER RECIPES

    STORING, REHEATING & SERVING SIZE

    We store this in the refrigerator, it will keep for a few days, reheat in the microwave and its about 6 servings.

    Tomato Gravy

    Anne Walkup

    Tomato Gravy is such a Southern dish served over biscuits for breakfast, rice for supper or mashed potatoes. Wonderful way to use fresh tomatoes from the garden but can use canned tomatoes. 

    Prep Time 10 minutes

    Cook Time 10 minutes

    Total Time 20 minutes

    Course Breakfast, Gravy, Sauce

    Cuisine American, southern

    • 2 cups fresh tomatoes peeled and chopped (can use a 14.5 ounce can of tomatoes)
    • 5 tablespoons bacon drippings
    • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/4 cups water some prefer to use milk instead of water
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Cut up tomatoes in bowl. Add the salt, pepper, sugar and garlic powder and mix with a spoon.

    • Put bacon drippings in a hot skillet on stove top. Add flour and make a roux or cook until thick. Pour in tomatoes and water and cook until the consistency of gravy. Serve over biscuits.

    Keyword biscuits and gravy, Tomato gravy

    Let us know by commenting below!

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    Anne Walkup

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  • Weekly Meal Plan June 3, 2024

    Weekly Meal Plan June 3, 2024

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    Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!

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    Holly Nilsson

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  • Chickpea Dumplings in Curry Tomato Sauce | Kitchen Nostalgia

    Chickpea Dumplings in Curry Tomato Sauce | Kitchen Nostalgia

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