Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean sunshine, this Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect harmony of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fragrant herbs, all dressed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing. Simple yet bursting with flavor, this salad brightens up any meal with its colors and textures, making it an absolute delight to prepare and enjoy. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to salads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe relies on a handful of humble ingredients that work together to create a refreshing and balanced dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispness of the cucumber to the zingy lemon juice that lifts everything beautifully.
- Tomatoes (2 cups, diced): Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Cucumber (1, diced): Adds a cool crunch that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Red onion (1/4, thinly sliced): Provides a subtle sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A good quality olive oil brings richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh lemon juice gives the salad a bright, tangy kick.
- Dried mint (1 teaspoon): This traditional herb adds a refreshing, slightly sweet aroma.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by dicing the tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized chunks and thinly slicing the red onion. Combining the veggies in a large bowl ensures each salad portion has the perfect balance of crunchy and juicy elements. Freshness here is key, so choose produce that’s firm and ripe.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Drizzle the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the prepared vegetables. This simple dressing is what makes the Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe so vibrant and light. The olive oil adds a silky richness, while the lemon juice contributes a bright acidity that wakes up the whole dish.
Step 3: Season and Toss
Sprinkle the dried mint, salt, and pepper evenly over the salad. The dried mint brings that classic Middle Eastern flair and a pleasant herbal note. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, so the dressing coats every piece of vegetable, inviting you into a perfectly balanced experience of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
For the freshest taste and best texture, this salad is meant to be served right away. The tomatoes will release some of their juices over time, which is lovely in its own way but serves a slightly different flavor profile. Enjoy the crisp, refreshing crunch of the salad at its peak.
How to Serve Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe, consider garnishing with a handful of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sumac for a tangy, colorful twist. Toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese also add a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a side dish alongside grilled meats like lamb or chicken but is also fantastic with falafel or creamy hummus. Its bright and cooling qualities make it perfect for balancing spicy or rich main dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, serve the salad in a shallow white bowl to make the reds and greens pop. You can also layer the ingredients in a glass jar for a fun, portable lunch option. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs on top can add a charming finishing touch that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 24 hours but is best enjoyed fresh to retain the crunchy texture and vibrant flavors.
Freezing
This Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe is not suitable for freezing as the fresh vegetables will lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. Fresh is always best for this salad.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and raw, reheating is unnecessary and would compromise its freshness and texture. Simply give it a gentle stir if some juices collect at the bottom before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mint instead of dried mint?
Absolutely! Fresh mint gives a more vibrant, aromatic flavor, so you can finely chop about a tablespoon for a lovely fresh twist. Both versions work well, just adjust to your taste preference.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Sure! While the classic Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe keeps it simple, feel free to add chopped bell peppers, radishes, or even finely diced green onions to customize it to your liking.
Can this salad be made vegan and gluten-free?
Definitely! This salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option that fits well into many dietary needs without any adaptation.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Ripe, firm tomatoes such as Roma or vine tomatoes are ideal because they offer sweet flavor and hold their shape when diced, complementing the cucumber’s crunch perfectly.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Try adding a scoop of cooked quinoa, some chickpeas, or a handful of toasted nuts for extra protein and texture. This can turn the salad into a light lunch or hearty side dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing this Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe with friends and family. It’s fresh, simple, and versatile enough to brighten up any meal or stand beautifully on its own. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how irresistibly delicious it tastes.
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Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lebanese Tomato Salad is a fresh and vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic dried mint. This simple and quick salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish, bursting with classic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion, ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Make the dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the vegetable mixture for a bright and tangy flavor.
- Season and toss: Sprinkle the dried mint, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly so the dressing and seasonings coat the vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshest and most vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For an extra refreshing touch, chill the ingredients before mixing.
- Can be customized with fresh mint instead of dried for a different flavor profile.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste for desired tanginess and saltiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Lebanese
