If you are craving something fresh, vibrant, and incredibly simple to whip up, this Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Bursting with juicy ripe tomatoes, the bright zing of lemon juice, and the aromatic freshness of parsley and mint, this salad brings a delightful Mediterranean flair to your table. Not only does it showcase the beauty of uncomplicated ingredients, but it also lets each component shine, creating a medley of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a light side or a quick snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding color, texture, and flavor that come together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this classic Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe to life:
- 4 ripe tomatoes: Choose firm but juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- 1/2 small red onion: Thinly sliced to add a gentle sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped finely for a burst of green freshness and Earthy notes.
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves: Chopped to lend a cooling fragrance and lift the taste overall.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and ties the salad components together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Provides acidity that brightens the entire dish instantly.
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac (optional): A traditional spice that introduces a subtle tangy depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of spice to finish off the dressing.
How to Make Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by washing your tomatoes thoroughly and chopping them into bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice half a small red onion for a mild yet pleasantly sharp crunch. Finely chop the parsley and mint leaves so their vibrant green color and fresh aromas can infuse the salad from the first bite.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Base
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, parsley, and mint. This combination forms the fresh, colorful foundation of your Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe, offering a balance of sweet, herbaceous, and tangy elements.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and sumac if you’re using it. The olive oil creates a silky texture while lemon juice and sumac introduce uplifting tanginess that complements the freshness of the veggies perfectly.
Step 4: Toss and Let the Flavors Meld
Pour your homemade dressing over the tomato mixture and toss gently so every piece is lovingly coated. Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature or chilled in the fridge. This short wait lets the flavors mingle and deepen, making each forkful delightfully balanced.
How to Serve Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped extra parsley or mint leaves on top before serving. A light drizzle of more olive oil or a dusting of sumac can also elevate the presentation and flavor, inviting everyone to dig right in.
Side Dishes
This Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like lamb or chicken, falafel, and warm pita bread. It also works as a refreshing contrast alongside rich dips such as hummus or baba ghanoush, making your meal feel authentically Mediterranean and totally satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a shallow, wide bowl to show off its vibrant colors. Alternatively, try layering it as a fresh topping over toasted flatbreads or incorporating it into a mezze platter with olives, cheeses, and nuts. No matter how you serve it, this salad steals the show every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the crispness of the tomatoes and herbs, and give it a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
Since this Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe features fresh herbs and tomatoes, freezing is not recommended. Freezing would alter the texture and flavor, causing the tomatoes to become mushy and the herbs to lose their brightness.
Reheating
This is a no-cook salad designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If the salad has been refrigerated, allowing it to sit out briefly before serving will help revive its flavors.
FAQs
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! While the classic Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe is simple, adding finely chopped cucumbers or bell peppers can introduce delightful crunch and variety. Just keep the additions fresh and crisp to preserve the salad’s light character.
Is sumac necessary in the recipe?
Sumac is optional but traditional. It adds a wonderful lemony tang that enhances the salad’s flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, the lemon juice alone will keep the salad bright and delicious.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant, natural flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work. Just be mindful of the quantity as bottled lemon juice can be more concentrated and sometimes bitter.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
Letting the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes allows the dressing to meld with the tomatoes and herbs, deepening the flavor. If short on time, even a few minutes of sitting will improve the taste.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan or gluten-free diet?
Yes! This Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for many dietary preferences without any modifications needed.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a salad that comes together quickly yet leaves a lasting impression with its fresh flavors and colorful appeal. This Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something deliciously memorable. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this refreshing dish as much as I do!
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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
Lebanese Tomato Salad is a refreshing and vibrant Mediterranean side dish featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon and sumac dressing. This no-cook vegan and gluten-free salad is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a light lunch or accompaniment to grilled meats and Middle Eastern dishes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac (optional but traditional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint leaves to create the base of the salad.
- Whisk Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sumac (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Dress Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the tomato and herb mixture, then gently toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Rest to Meld Flavors: Allow the salad to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, either chilled or at room temperature, to let the flavors meld and intensify.
Notes
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, falafel, or pita bread.
- You can add chopped cucumbers or a sprinkle of feta cheese for variation.
