Victoria’s Summer Salad with Plum Tomatoes – A Taste of Romanian Sunshine

A Healthy and Versatile Delight

This Romanian-inspired summer salad is a quick, healthy, and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. Made with the unique taste and solid content of plum tomatoes, it pairs beautifully with meats, cheese, or traditional Romanian sides like mămăligă and mashed potatoes. We recommend plum tomatoes for this salad as they have less juice and we avoid ending up with a watery salad. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a complement to your favorite meals, this salad is a celebration of color, flavor, and tradition.

Cooking with Granny Victoria: A Summer Memory

Whenever I prepare this healthy summer salad, I’m transported back to summers spent with Granny Victoria on her cozy balcony. The fresh aroma of tomatoes and cucumbers, the tang of garlic, and the warmth of mămăligă filled the air as we shared simple yet hearty lunches. Gimilică, our cheeky budgie, always found his way onto my shoulder or my plate, sneaking bites of cheese and vegetables. These moments are etched into my heart and inspire every bowl of this nostalgic salad.

The Origin and History of Salads

Salads have been enjoyed for centuries, with roots tracing back to ancient Rome and Greece, where raw vegetables were dressed with oil, vinegar, and herbs. Over time, salads evolved into a global phenomenon, reflecting the local ingredients and culinary traditions of each culture.

Romanian Salads: A Rich Tradition

Romanian salads often highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, dressed simply to let the flavors shine. They’re a staple in every home, celebrating the bounty of local produce and the importance of fresh, wholesome food.

7 Famous Salad Recipes Worldwide

1. Caesar Salad (Italy/USA)
2. Greek Salad (Greece)
3. Tabbouleh (Lebanon)
4. Niçoise Salad (France)
5. Cobb Salad (USA)
6. Caprese Salad (Italy)
7. Olivier Salad (Russia)

4 Related Romanian Recipes

Mămăligă – A traditional cornmeal dish, perfect for pairing with fresh salads.

Whole Roasted Chicken – A classic that complements the salad beautifully.

Eggplant Dip (Salată de Vinete) – Another Romanian favorite for a complete meal.

Pork Neck Roast – Juicy and flavorful, this dish shines alongside a fresh salad.

Peppers and cheese – Rich and flavorful, they pair with the salad like there’s no tomorrow.

Victoria’s Summer Salad with Plum Tomatoes – A Taste of Romanian Sunshine

Recipe by ViviCourse: Sides, SaladsCuisine: RomanianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2-3

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

Total time

15

minutes

Why This Is One of the Best Salad Recipes

Unique flavor from plum tomatoes.
Quick and easy to prepare.
Pairs with a variety of Romanian dishes.
Healthy, fresh ingredients.
Offers nostalgic and traditional charm.

Ingredients

• 4 large plum tomatoes

• 1 cup fresh cucumber, diced

• 1 cup red pepper, diced

• 1 onion, diced

• Juice of 1 lime or lemon

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bunch parsley, chopped

• 1 bunch dill, chopped

• Cilantro (optional), chopped

• 1 tsp Turkish salad spices

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Wash and dice the tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and onion.
• Chop the dill and parsley.
• Mince the garlic.
• Combine all vegetables in a large bowl. Add olive oil, lime juice, and Turkish spices. Season with salt and pepper.
• Toss gently to mix all flavors. Serve fresh.

Recipe Video

5 Pro Tips for a Perfect Romanian Summer Salad

• Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for maximum sweetness.
• Chill the vegetables before preparing for a refreshing taste.
• Adjust spices to your preference; sumac or za’atar can be great additions.
• Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.
• Pair with mămăligă or warm bread for an authentic Romanian experience.

When Do Romanians Eat Salad?

Salads are a daily affair in Romanian homes, enjoyed as a starter, side dish, or even a light meal. From festive occasions to casual family dinners, a fresh salad graces every table.

5 Reasons to Eat Salad Every Day

Packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Supports digestion with fiber-rich ingredients.
Low in calories, perfect for maintaining a healthy weight.
Hydrating and refreshing, especially in summer.
Versatile, customizable and delicious.

Why Salad Is Healthy

This salad combines nutrient-rich vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers with heart-healthy olive oil. The garlic and herbs add flavor and health benefits, supporting immunity and overall wellness.

Enjoy and leave us a comment or a suggestion if you enjoyed our post <3!

Vivi is a passionate teacher, story teller and photographer. Adara is a passionate accountant, businesswoman and videographer. On Cooking Romania by Vivi, the Mom and Daughter play together at the intersection of self and food mastery.