Lebanese Tomato Salad

This Lebanese Tomato Salad is the perfect combination of vibrant, fresh flavors that will make your taste buds dance. With juicy, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty dressing, this dish is a celebration of simplicity and freshness. It’s quick to prepare, light, and utterly delicious—ideal for any meal, whether it’s a side dish or a refreshing snack on a hot day. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to salad whenever you want something light yet full of flavor. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Lebanese Tomato Salad

This Lebanese Tomato Salad isn’t just your average salad—it’s a burst of sunshine in a bowl. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs brings such a fresh, balanced taste. The dressing ties everything together with a hint of tang and a touch of olive oil that will have you coming back for more.

Light and Refreshing: With its crisp veggies and light dressing, this salad is perfect for those hot summer days when you need something cool and refreshing, but not too heavy.

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in no time at all—just chop up a few ingredients, whisk together a simple dressing, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Customizable: This salad is a great base that you can tweak according to your taste. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for creaminess, toss in some olives for a salty bite, or even throw in some grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lemon, this salad is full of nutrients and healthy fats. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy something delicious and nourishing.

Ingredients

This salad is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Tomatoes: The heart of this salad. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. They provide that burst of sweetness and tang in every bite.

Cucumbers: Crisp, cool cucumbers add a refreshing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, juicy tomatoes.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions bring a slight sharpness and color to the salad, elevating the flavor profile.

Parsley: Fresh parsley is a must for its vibrant color and aromatic flavor. It adds brightness and freshness to the salad.

Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil is key for the dressing. It’s rich, smooth, and enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the dressing a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the olive oil.

Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and dressing.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making this salad is as simple as chopping, tossing, and dressing. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Veggies: Start by chopping the tomatoes and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the parsley finely. The key here is to cut everything into uniform sizes so each bite is balanced.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Want it more tangy? Add a little more lemon juice!

Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the veggies and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is coated evenly.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors marinate. The salad tastes even better after it’s had a little time to chill.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Lebanese Tomato Salad

This Lebanese Tomato Salad is perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Meat: It’s the ideal side for grilled chicken, lamb, or beef. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of grilled meats beautifully.

Rice or Quinoa: Serve this salad alongside rice pilaf or quinoa for a complete, nutritious meal. The salad adds a refreshing crunch to the hearty grains.

Hummus and Pita: This salad pairs wonderfully with creamy hummus and warm pita bread. Scoop up the salad with a piece of pita for the ultimate bite!

Wraps: Add it as a filling to wraps or sandwiches for an extra crunch and burst of flavor. It’s especially good in a falafel or shawarma wrap.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the most of this delicious salad:

Make It Ahead: While this salad is best served fresh, you can prep the veggies and store them separately in the fridge for a few hours. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.

Add Extra Flavor: If you want to boost the flavor, add a sprinkle of sumac or za’atar to the salad. These Middle Eastern spices will elevate the dish with a unique, aromatic twist.

Swap the Parsley: If you’re not a fan of parsley, you can replace it with mint or even basil for a different herbal flavor.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad may release some juices, but it will still taste fresh and delicious.

Customize It: Add your favorite ingredients! Olives, feta, or even a handful of pomegranate seeds can take this salad to the next level.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?
A1: Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes will add a slightly sweeter flavor and can be a fun twist on the classic salad.

Q2: How do I keep the cucumbers from getting soggy?
A2: To prevent soggy cucumbers, make sure to cut them right before serving. You can also sprinkle a little salt on them and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry.

Q3: Can I make this salad in advance?
A3: You can prep the vegetables and store them in the fridge for a few hours before adding the dressing. The salad tastes best fresh, but if you let it chill for 30 minutes or so, the flavors will meld nicely.

Q4: What else can I add to the salad?
A4: You can add olives, feta cheese, or even some toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture. Feel free to get creative!

Q5: Can I add protein to this salad to make it a meal?
A5: Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or grilled shrimp would be great additions to turn this salad into a full meal.

Q6: Can I use red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice for the dressing?
A6: Yes, red wine vinegar can work well as a substitute if you want a more acidic, tangy flavor in the dressing.

Q7: How do I make the dressing more garlicky?
A7: If you love garlic, add a minced clove or two to the dressing. It will give the salad an extra punch of flavor.

Q8: Can I use a different oil for the dressing?
A8: You can use another mild oil, like avocado oil, if you prefer. However, olive oil is traditional for Lebanese salads and adds the best flavor.

Q9: How long will leftovers last?
A9: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the tomatoes will continue to release juice as it sits.

Q10: Can I use different herbs instead of parsley?
A10: Yes, you can use mint or basil instead of parsley if you prefer. These herbs will give the salad a different, yet equally fresh, flavor.

Conclusion

This Lebanese Tomato Salad is everything you could want in a salad: light, refreshing, and full of bright, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a topping for wraps, or just enjoying it on its own, it’s guaranteed to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a salad that feels like a celebration of fresh produce. So go ahead, whip it up, and enjoy every bite of this delicious, summery dish!

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