Achichuk Salad (Салат Ачичук) sometimes called Achik Chukchuk is a staple in Uzbek cuisine. Sometimes called Plov salad, because it's always served with Uzbek Plov (Pilaf). With a few simple ingredients, this Tomato Onion Salad will be your new favorite summer salad!
Ingredients
The best part of this Tomato Onion Salad is how flexible and customizable it is. Like most Uzbek food, there is no hard and fast rule on ratios. What's in season and available is what you use. No cucumbers, no problem, use what you have.
- Tomatoes - vine ripened is tastiest
- Cucumber - long English or Persian Cucumber
- Onion - White Onion or Red Onion
- Fresh Herbs (Zelen) - Parsley, Dill, Basil
- Salt and Pepper
How to Make Tomato Onion Salad
- Cut Tomatoes - wash and cut into thin round slices or small wedges
- Slice Cucumbers - wash cucumber and cut into slices, cubes or rings
- Slice Onion - cut the onion into thin rings (as thin as you can).
- Chop Herbs - finely chop your favorite herbs.
- Mix - combine chopped vegetables and herbs in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Salad Variations
- Spicy - thinly slice red Chili Peppers for a spicy kick
- Sweet Bell Peppers - thinly slice half Bell Pepper
- Green Onions - instead of white onions, substitute with Green Onions
- Change the Herbs - add your favorite herbs, there is no right or wrong answer
- Be Generous with Onions - they add flavor contrast. Remove the bite from onions for a softer taste (see instructions below).
- Garlic - mince one clove of garlic for a strong flavor kick
Herbs for Tomato Salad
It can be confusing to when a recipe tells you to add herbs. It's called Zelen (зелен) and that means whatever fresh green herbs are available in your garden. You get to decide and get to mix and change the flavors as needed.
- Dill
- Parsley
- Basil - Purple or Green Basil
- Cilantro (Coriander)
- Thyme
- Mint
- Garlic Chives (джусай)
Recipe Tips and FAQs
- Ripe Tomatoes - the key to a tasty tomato salad is to use red, vine ripened tomatoes. Must be ripe but not mushy for best result.
- Peel Cucumber - if using Eastern European cucumbers (pickling cucumbers) peel the skin to remove any bitter taste
- Tomato Tulip - when serving your salad, cut a tomato into the shape of a tulip. Place on top of the salad when serving, makes it a bit fancy.
- Sharp Knife - to ensure onions are sliced super thin, you'll need a sharp knife. Alternatively can use a Mandolin Slicer.
Removing the Bite From Onions
It's easy to remove the bite from onions. Simply place sliced onions in a bowl of water with a splash of vinegar. Even 5 minutes of soaking can reduce the sharp bite of onions.
Storage
Place in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Enjoy within 2-3 days. Mix before serving. It will be soggier than when prepared and served immediately.
Salad Recipes You'll Love
- Funchoza Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Cauliflower Broccoli Salad
- Greek Cucumber Salad
- Radish Cucumber Salad
- Mizeria Cucumber Salad
- Bell Pepper Salad
- Roasted Chickpea Salad
You'll love this Central Asian salad because it has only a few ingredients, is fresh and full of vitamins, easy to make, and flexible to adjust to what's in season. Perfect for bbq's, picnics, served alongside Plov or Shashlik or whatever's for dinner tonight. You'll add this oil free salad to your summer salad rotation. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (500g) Tomatoes sliced
- ½ Cucumber sliced
- ½ White Onion can use entire onion - thinly sliced
- Fresh Herbs - Dill, Basil, Parsley finely chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut Tomatoes - wash and cut into thin round slices or small wedges.
- Slice Cucumbers - wash cucumber and cut into slices, cubes or rings.
- Slice Onion - cut the onion into thin rings (as thin as you can).
- Chop Herbs - finely chop your favorite herbs.
- Mix - combine chopped vegetables and herbs in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
©PetersFoodAdventures.com
