If you are craving a fresh, vibrant side dish that bursts with flavor and color, this Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s wonderfully simple, combining ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs to create a salad that’s as refreshing as it is delicious. Whether you want a light partner to grilled meats or a bright starter for a Mediterranean feast, this salad hits every note with its perfect balance of acidity, earthiness, and freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a vital role in building the salad’s irresistible character. From the juicy tomatoes to the sharpness of the red onion and the brightness of fresh herbs, every bite is a flavor-packed experience.
- 4 ripe tomatoes: Choose firm, juicy tomatoes for the best texture and natural sweetness.
- 1 cucumber: Peeled and diced to add a cool crunch that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 small red onion: Finely chopped for a touch of pungency and color contrast.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped to bring a mild, herby freshness that lifts the entire salad.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint: Chopped to add a cool, aromatic note that’s signature to Lebanese flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to provide richness and help meld flavors together.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds the perfect tartness that brightens the salad.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a slight kick and depth to the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and combine fresh vegetables
Begin by dicing the ripe tomatoes and peeled cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion, taking care not to overpower the salad with its sharpness. Add all these fresh vegetables to a large mixing bowl, creating the colorful foundation of the dish.
Step 2: Add fresh herbs for flavor
Gently fold in the chopped parsley and mint. These herbs are the secret to the traditional Lebanese flavor in the salad and bring an aromatic freshness that sets this dish apart.
Step 3: Dress the salad
Drizzle the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the vegetables and herbs. These ingredients marry all the flavors and add both richness and tang, giving the salad a perfectly balanced taste.
Step 4: Season to taste
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. Season gradually and taste as you go, ensuring each bite is seasoned just right.
Step 5: Toss gently and chill
Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the tomatoes. For an extra burst of flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, but it’s also delicious served immediately.
How to Serve Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For garnish, a sprinkle of sumac or a few whole mint leaves can add a beautiful touch both visually and flavor-wise. Toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of pomegranate molasses can also be excellent garnishes if you want to add a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like lamb or chicken, fluffy couscous, or creamy hummus. It’s a fantastic refreshing foil to spicy kebabs or can serve as a light lunch on its own with warm pita bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve this salad in individual small bowls lined with lettuce leaves or arrange it artistically on a flat platter with wedges of lemon on the side. Another fun idea is to stuff the salad inside hollowed-out cucumbers or tomatoes for an elegant presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, though the vegetables might become a little softer, so enjoy it sooner rather than later for the best crunch.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
Reheating is not necessary or advised for this salad; it is best served chilled or at room temperature to maintain the bright, fresh flavors and crisp textures.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs besides parsley and mint?
Absolutely! While parsley and mint are traditional for this Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe, you can experiment with cilantro or basil for different flavor twists. Just keep in mind that mint gives the salad its signature freshness.
Is it better to peel the cucumber?
Peeling the cucumber is recommended to avoid bitterness and to create a smoother texture, but if you prefer the extra crunch and nutrients, you can leave the skin on after washing it thoroughly.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you can customize this salad by adding finely diced bell peppers, radishes, or even a little chopped green chili for some heat. Just keep the balance so the classic flavors still shine through.
How do I make the salad less tangy?
If you prefer a milder tang, reduce the amount of lemon juice and increase the olive oil slightly. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
What is the best type of olive oil to use?
Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil will greatly enhance the flavor of this Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe. Choose one that is fruity and fresh, not overly bitter, to complement the vegetables perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together effortlessly. It’s a dish that you can whip up in minutes yet impress everyone with its bright flavors and inviting colors. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this salad—it’s a refreshing, easy recipe that will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any season.
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Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Lebanese Tomato Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Gently mix to combine these fresh ingredients evenly.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate the chopped parsley and mint into the bowl with the vegetables, enhancing the salad’s freshness and aroma.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad ingredients, ensuring the dressing coats all components to bring together the flavors.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Toss Gently: Carefully toss the salad until all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing, being careful not to crush the delicate tomatoes.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, crisp flavor or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe, fresh tomatoes and high-quality olive oil.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be eaten immediately after preparation.
- Feel free to add a touch of sumac or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra taste and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1 day for freshness.
