At Kismet, we’re always thinking about how to build more flavor into our dishes, to make them multilayered without getting unnecessarily complicated. This salad is a twist on a classic Israeli salad, the base of which is just cucumbers and tomatoes with herbs and sometimes onions. We added fruit into the mix to create something that accentuates in-season ingredients without drawing any attention away. Here's the break down of what makes this salad so great:
The Texture
With the meatiness of the peaches, the crispness of cucumbers, and the crunchiness pumpkin seeds, you get an ideal mix of textures, leaving every bite as interesting as the last. It doesn't get boring.
The Fruit/Veg Swap
Tomatoes and peaches aren't that different. We swap in peaches for the usual tomatoes—texturally they’re extremely similar. You might not think it, but the level of sweetness is just about the same.
The Dressing
We take the dressing beyond lemon and olive oil to one that’s herby and spicy. The spice from the chile and cumin packs punch, so the salad is more dynamic as a whole.
The California Essential
We add avocado because we’re in California. It lends a creaminess and substance, but really, it makes the salad super satisfying.