This Lebanese Tomato Salad is a celebration of freshness in every bite. The ripe tomatoes, juicy and sweet, pair perfectly with the crisp cucumber and the sharp tang of fresh lemon juice. The olive oil drizzled over the top adds a smooth, silky finish, bringing all the flavors together in harmony. A sprinkle of dried mint elevates the dish, giving it a hint of earthiness that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. The crunch of red onion adds an extra layer of texture, while the salt and pepper bring everything to life. The beauty of this salad is its simplicity—each ingredient shines, but together they create something truly special. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, or even a light, refreshing snack on its own. The freshness is what makes it so addictive; the more you eat, the more you want.
Key Ingredients in Lebanese Tomato Salad
Each ingredient in this salad plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this dish so irresistible.
* Tomatoes
Juicy, sweet, and bursting with freshness, tomatoes are the heart of this salad. Their natural sweetness and slight acidity provide a bright, lively base that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
* Cucumber
Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds a satisfying crunch and a mild flavor that balances out the richness of the olive oil. It’s the perfect contrast to the softness of the tomatoes.
* Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion brings a subtle sharpness to the salad. Its crunchy texture adds an extra layer of bite, while its sweetness softens when mixed with the other ingredients, creating a delicate balance of flavors.
* Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley provides a burst of color and a vibrant herbal note. Its slightly peppery flavor adds depth to the salad, enhancing the freshness of the tomatoes and cucumber.
* Fresh Mint
The mint in this salad is a game-changer. It adds a cool, aromatic quality that complements the citrusy tang of the lemon juice. The mint leaves give the salad a refreshing lift and an unexpected twist of flavor.
* Olive Oil
Rich and velvety, olive oil ties all the ingredients together with its smooth, fruity flavor. It coats the vegetables perfectly, adding a luxurious texture and enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
* Lemon Juice
The zing of lemon juice brings a bright, tart contrast to the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. It cuts through the richness of the olive oil and adds a refreshing citrusy punch.
* Salt
A touch of salt brings all the flavors to life, helping to highlight the sweetness of the tomatoes, the earthiness of the herbs, and the richness of the olive oil. It’s essential for balancing the dish.
* Black Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of warmth and spice, rounding out the flavors and giving the salad a subtle kick. It enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
How to Make Lebanese Tomato Salad
1. Wash the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint thoroughly under cool running water.
It’s important to make sure everything is clean and fresh before you start prepping. This ensures the best flavor and texture in your salad.
2. Pat the vegetables dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
After washing, gently pat each ingredient dry to avoid any excess water diluting the flavors of the salad.
3. Slice the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges, ensuring each piece is uniform in size.
Cut the tomatoes carefully, keeping the wedges roughly the same size so that each bite is balanced with the right amount of tomato sweetness.
4. Peel the cucumber, then cut it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon.
Removing the seeds from the cucumber helps reduce excess moisture in the salad, ensuring a crisper, more flavorful texture.
5. Slice the cucumber halves into thin half-moon pieces, aiming for even, thin slices.
Aim for a consistent thickness so each bite of cucumber is just as satisfying as the last. Thin slices add a nice crunch and prevent the cucumber from overwhelming the other ingredients.
6. Peel the red onion and cut it in half lengthwise.
Cutting the onion lengthwise ensures that each slice has a nice balance of texture and flavor when mixed with the other ingredients.
7. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moon shapes, keeping the slices as even as possible.
Try to keep the slices as uniform as possible so the sharpness and sweetness of the onion are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
8. Finely chop the fresh parsley, discarding any thick stems.
Chop the parsley finely to release its flavor while making it easy to mix into the salad without overwhelming any of the other ingredients.
9. Finely chop the fresh mint, removing any thick stems as well.
The mint should be chopped finely to ensure that it evenly distributes its refreshing flavor throughout the salad.
10. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Gently toss the vegetables together to distribute them evenly before adding the herbs and seasoning.
11. Add the chopped parsley and mint to the bowl with the vegetables.
Stir the herbs in lightly, making sure they are spread out throughout the salad, adding bursts of color and flavor.
12. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated.
The olive oil is key to adding richness and a smooth texture. Be generous with it, as it brings all the ingredients together.
13. Add the lemon juice to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
The lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty brightness that enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and balances the richness of the olive oil.
14. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Add just the right amount of salt to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the freshness of the herbs. A few cracks of black pepper add warmth and complexity.
15. Toss everything together gently, making sure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
Toss the salad lightly to avoid breaking up the delicate vegetables, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
16. Serve the salad immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld before enjoying.
If you can, let the salad rest for a bit so the ingredients have time to soak in the lemon and olive oil flavors, making each bite even more delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Lebanese Tomato Salad
– Pair it with grilled meats – This salad is the perfect companion for any grilled meats, especially lamb or chicken. The refreshing crunch and bright flavors cut through the richness of the meat, making each bite feel balanced and light.
– Enjoy it as a light lunch – On a warm afternoon, this salad makes for a quick, refreshing meal all on its own. Add a little feta cheese or a hard-boiled egg for extra protein, and you’ve got a light but satisfying lunch.
– Serve it as a side for Mediterranean dishes – Whether you’re serving hummus, falafel, or a warm pita bread, this Lebanese tomato salad makes a fantastic side dish. The fresh, zesty flavors complement the creamy dips and hearty breads beautifully!
How to Store Lebanese Tomato Salad
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this refreshing salad, storing it properly is key to maintaining its freshness and vibrant flavors. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy it for as long as possible:
– Refrigerate the salad – Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The tomatoes and cucumbers will stay crisp for about a day, though the longer it sits, the more the vegetables will release their moisture. If you’re keeping it for more than a few hours, it’s best to avoid adding the dressing (olive oil and lemon juice) until just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
– Keep the dressing separate – If you’re meal prepping or making the salad ahead of time, store the dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper) separately in a small jar or container. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the fresh dressing over the salad to keep the ingredients crisp and vibrant.
– Eat it the same day – For the best experience, try to enjoy the salad within a few hours of making it. The flavors meld together beautifully after a little resting time, but the texture is at its peak when fresh. The longer it sits, the less crispy the cucumber becomes, and the tomatoes start to soften. If you’re craving it again later, simply add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to revitalize the dish.
Conclusion
And there you have it—this Lebanese Tomato Salad is a true masterpiece of simplicity and freshness. With each bite, you’re greeted with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors that dance together so beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that feels light yet satisfying, and I promise, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen in no time.
Whether you’re serving it as a side to grilled meats, enjoying it as a light lunch, or pairing it with your favorite Mediterranean dishes, this salad has the power to elevate any meal. The best part? It’s so easy to make and incredibly versatile—you can even play around with the ingredients to make it your own.
I’d love to hear how your salad turns out! Have you tried it with any fun twists, or maybe you’ve got your own spin on it? Drop your thoughts, questions, or any feedback below. And if you need a little help along the way, you know I’m always here to guide you!
Lebanese Tomato Salad
Description
A refreshing blend of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs, the Lebanese Tomato Salad is a burst of flavors. With a tangy lemon dressing and a hint of olive oil, it’s the perfect balance of light, zesty, and aromatic!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Wash the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint thoroughly under cool running water.
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Pat the vegetables dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
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Slice the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges, ensuring each piece is uniform in size.
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Peel the cucumber, then cut it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon.
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Slice the cucumber halves into thin half-moon pieces, aiming for even, thin slices.
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Peel the red onion and cut it in half lengthwise.
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Thinly slice the red onion into half-moon shapes, keeping the slices as even as possible.
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Finely chop the fresh parsley, discarding any thick stems.
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Finely chop the fresh mint, removing any thick stems as well.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
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Add the chopped parsley and mint to the bowl with the vegetables.
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Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Add the lemon juice to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
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Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
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Toss everything together gently, making sure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
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Serve the salad immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld before enjoying.
Note
- Ensure the tomatoes are ripe for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- For extra crunch, use Persian or English cucumbers, which have fewer seeds.
- To enhance the flavor, let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
- For a tangier version, add a splash of red wine vinegar or pomegranate molasses.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a side to pita bread.
