A simple recipe for tomatoes stuffed with Greek cucumber salad

Is there a more perfect summer pair than cucumbers and tomatoes? Instead of drenching this recipe in a heavy Caesar salad dressing, we give you the flavours of a light dilled yogurt dressing that complements the refreshing taste of these salad staples. The fact that the dressing is stuffed into hollowed-out tomatoes only makes it even juicier.

• Preparation time: 25 minutes plus 30 minutes draining.
• Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium ripe, plump tomatoes
• 4 ml (1 tsp) salt, divided
• 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded and finely chopped
• 325 ml (1 1/3 c) reduced-fat plain yogurt, preferably strained Greek yogurt
• 1 small scallion (white and green parts), finely chopped
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) white-wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh dill and/or mint
• 0.5 ml (1/8 tsp) ground black pepper
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Using a serrated knife, remove the tomato tops by carving a wide circle around the core and angling the knife toward the centre. Cut around the inside to remove the core, pulp and seeds, as if hollowing out a pumpkin. Reserve the tomato pulp for sauce or another use.
2. Sprinkle the inside of the hollowed-out tomatoes with one millilitre (1/4 teaspoon) of the salt and invert in a sink to drain for 30 minutes.
3. Toss the chopped cucumbers with one millilitre (1/4 teaspoon) of the salt in a colander. Let drain in a sink for 30 minutes.
4. Combine the yogurt, scallion, garlic, vinegar, dill and/or mint, pepper and remaining two millilitres (1/2 teaspoon salt) in a medium bowl.
5. Press the excess liquid from the cucumbers, rinse briefly, then pat dry and add to the bowl, stirring to mix.
6. Spoon the cucumber salad into the hollowed-out tomatoes and drizzle with the oil.

Each serving provides:

• 113 calories
• 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat)
• 12 g carbohydratess
• 7 g protein
• 1 g fibre
• 7 mg cholesterol
• 451 mg sodium
• 165 mg calcium

This healthy dish is a perfect warm-weather first course for any occasion. Keep this simple recipe in mind and try it for yourself!