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Weekend Recipe: Greek Cherry Tomato Salad

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Photo courtesy of America's Test Kitchen

Greece has been in the news a lot lately -- and in the panic, some news outlets are recommending that consumers stock up on Greek feta. Fortunately for us, we have access to some great versions made in Northern California that will do just fine for this summery salad.

Greek Cherry Tomato Salad
Serves 4 to 6

2 pints cherry tomatoes, ripe, quartered (about 4 cups) (see note)
Table salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 teaspoons)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 medium shallot, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Ground black pepper
1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Toss tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and sugar in medium bowl; let stand for 30 minutes. Transfer tomatoes to salad spinner and spin until seeds and excess liquid have been removed, 45 to 60 seconds, stirring to redistribute tomatoes several times during spinning. Return tomatoes to bowl and set aside. Strain tomato liquid through fine-mesh strainer into liquid measuring cup, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

Bring 1/2 cup tomato liquid (discard any extra), garlic, oregano, shallot, and vinegar to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until reduced to 3 tablespoons, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer mixture to small bowl and cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes. Whisk in oil and pepper to taste until combined. Taste and season with up to 1/8 teaspoon table salt.

Add cucumber, olives, feta, dressing, and parsley to bowl with tomatoes; toss gently and serve.

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