If you’re ready to bring a burst of freshness to your table, Lebanese Tomato Salad is absolutely the way to go! Juicy tomatoes mingle with crisp onion, lush herbs, and a sunshine-bright kiss of lemon, creating a salad that’s both simple and dazzling. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes like summer in a bowl. Whether it’s a weeknight or a backyard gathering, this Middle Eastern classic will charm everyone with its vibrant colors and bold, tangy flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t take much to create magic—just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients, each with its own role in the Lebanese Tomato Salad. The recipe relies on super simple components, but they’re all essential for that signature taste, texture, and color.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened are perfect) for their sweet, robust flavor and gorgeous color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, crunchy punch and a pop of vibrant purple.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings that unmistakably fresh, herbal brightness.
- Fresh mint leaves: Mint adds a cool fragrance that makes every bite irresistible.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The best olive oil you can find will give richness and depth to the salad.
- Fresh lemon juice: Squeezed right before serving, lemon juice brightens and balances the flavors.
- Sumac (optional): A pinch of sumac provides a tangy, citrusy note that’s so typical in Lebanese salads.
- Salt and black pepper: These basics pull everything together, enhancing each ingredient’s natural flavor.
How to Make Lebanese Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Start by giving all your veggies and herbs a good rinse—the secret to the freshest Lebanese Tomato Salad is clean, crisp ingredients. Chop your tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, slice the red onion as thinly as possible (so it’s pleasantly crisp but not overwhelming), and finely chop your parsley and mint leaves. It all comes together so quickly here, and your colors will be fantastic!
Step 2: Mix It All Together
Grab a large mixing bowl, because you’ll want plenty of room for tossing. Toss in the chopped tomatoes, sliced onion, parsley, and mint. Just seeing all those bright greens and reds together will make you smile!
Step 3: Dress and Season
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the veggie mix, then squeeze the lemon juice straight on top. Sprinkle over a good pinch of salt and cracked black pepper. If you have sumac, this is the time to add it—it’s the secret weapon for that classic Lebanese tang. Don’t be shy; sumac’s citrusy zing is what sets this Lebanese Tomato Salad apart from all the rest.
Step 4: Toss and Rest
With clean hands or salad servers, gently toss everything together until that beautiful dressing glistens on every piece. Let the salad sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Trust me—this tiny wait allows all those bold, fresh flavors to mingle and get even better.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
You’re almost there! Serve your Lebanese Tomato Salad chilled from the fridge, or leave it at room temperature if you prefer that just-picked taste. Either way, it’s refreshingly good.
How to Serve Lebanese Tomato Salad
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! Try a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs, or a little extra sumac right before serving. Sometimes, a few crumbled feta bits on top add a creamy contrast (if you’re not keeping it vegan). Even a drizzle of pomegranate molasses can give your Lebanese Tomato Salad a playful sweet-and-sour twist.
Side Dishes
This salad is a match made in heaven with grilled meats like shish taouk, lamb kebabs, or even roasted chicken. Scoop it up with warm pita or flatbread to soak up (and not miss a drop of) that zesty dressing. If you’re keeping things plant-based, serve it alongside hummus, falafel, or baba ghanoush for a stunning mezze spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Lebanese Tomato Salad into a showstopper by serving it in a large shallow dish on a festive platter, or spoon it into individual lettuce cups for easy-handed appetizers. Layer it over a bed of baby arugula and scatter edible flowers for an Instagram-worthy centerpiece. You can even tuck it into wraps or sandwiches to jazz up your weekday lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Lebanese Tomato Salad, store it covered in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Use an airtight container to keep the herbs fresh, and eat within two days for the best crunch and flavor.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salad just isn’t designed for freezing. Tomatoes, onions, and herbs tend to lose their texture and go mushy after thawing. For the freshest experience, only make as much as you’ll enjoy in a day or two—Lebanese Tomato Salad is all about that just-prepared, juicy snap!
Reheating
There’s no need to heat this salad—in fact, please don’t! Lebanese Tomato Salad is served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been chilled, just give it a gentle toss, taste for sweetness or tang, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While classic Lebanese Tomato Salad shines brightest with ripe, juicy heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes, cherry or grape tomatoes work well, too. Just be sure the tomatoes are sweet and flavorful, as they’re the star of the show.
Do I have to use sumac?
Sumac adds a fantastic tangy note, but if you don’t have it on hand, your Lebanese Tomato Salad will still be delicious. You can substitute with a touch more lemon juice for brightness—or skip it entirely for a more mellow result.
How can I reduce the sharpness of the red onion?
If you find raw onion too strong, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This mellows their bite and lets the sweet onion flavor come through more gently.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Lebanese Tomato Salad is very adaptable. Try adding diced cucumber, green pepper, or even radish for extra crunch. Just remember that simplicity is key, so don’t go overboard—let those tomatoes be the heroes.
Is Lebanese Tomato Salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect addition to just about any table. Double-check your seasonings and olive oil if you have sensitivities, but otherwise you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
There’s really no reason not to try Lebanese Tomato Salad—so little effort for such a massive flavor payoff! Whether you’re entertaining or just craving something refreshing, this salad delivers summer in every crisp, herby bite. Grab those ripe tomatoes, snip some fresh herbs, and bring some Lebanese warmth straight to your kitchen!
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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, Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Lebanese Tomato Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint tossed in a zesty dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. This salad is simple, yet bursting with fresh flavors that make it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 ripe tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 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 for tanginess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint together.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sumac if desired.
- Toss and Rest: Gently toss the salad to coat evenly. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a more authentic taste, opt for heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes.
- This salad complements grilled meats and flatbread excellently.
- For variety, consider adding cucumber or green pepper to the mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
