It’s getting to be that time of year when it’s so hot I can barely stand it, but at least all the produce is gorgeous and refreshing. That’s where my tomato plum salad comes into play. I make this salad multiple times a summer, every summer, but it’s never exactly the same. The mix of peak season plums, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions hit every note—it’s juicy, crunchy, tart, savory, and sweet all at once. It’s the perfect side to anything grilled and keeps well for transport, so it’s ideal for picnics. Plus, the light sumac-lemon vinaigrette gives the salad a real goes-with-anything vibe you’ll want with every cookout.
The number one rule of this salad is no mediocre produce! I’m being very serious about this. There are times where I’ll say, “It’s fine, grab whatever is at the store,” but this is simply not that time. This recipe is a celebration of summer, so it’s much better to make a big substitution than to go for something lackluster. It also means not being beholden to specific varieties of fruits or vegetables.
