Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
Vivid, juicy, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavor, Lebanese Tomato Salad is one of those vibrant salads that makes you rethink just how exciting a few simple ingredients can be! With ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, this salad is sunshine in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it as a crisp side at summer gatherings or a wholesome accompaniment to your favorite mezze spread, Lebanese Tomato Salad brings that unique, refreshing touch that everyone at the table will love. It’s the sort of dish that always disappears first, and once you try it, you’ll see exactly why.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to great salads, less is truly more, and Lebanese Tomato Salad is a perfect example. Each ingredient matters: together, they create a dish that dances with sharp, herbaceous, and sweet flavors. Here’s what you’ll need—plus a few insider tips to make the most of each element.
- 4 ripe tomatoes (chopped): Choose the juiciest, freshest tomatoes you can find for the ultimate burst of flavor and color.
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced): Red onion brings just the right pop of zing and gentle bite that balances the salad perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds grassy brightness—be generous for maximum freshness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint: Mint is the signature herb here, delivering cool, aromatic notes that say summer with every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Rich olive oil ties everything together and adds a beautiful Mediterranean silkiness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice wakes up all the flavors; a fresh squeeze is absolutely worth it.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the natural juices from the tomatoes and balance the acidity.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For that peppery finish—add it fresh from the grinder if you can!
How to Make Lebanese Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prepare and Chop the Vegetables
Start by chopping your ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, making sure to capture all their lovely juices. Thinly slice the red onion—if you want to tone down its sharpness, try soaking the slices in cold water for a few minutes first, then drain well. Gather your fresh parsley and mint, and chop them finely. This prep brings all the ingredients together in the right shape and size for the most satisfying salad bites.
Step 2: Toss with Herbs
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped tomatoes, the sliced red onion, and the freshly chopped parsley and mint. These herbs are what set Lebanese Tomato Salad apart—don’t hold back! Gently toss everything together with clean hands or large salad spoons, making sure every bite will be colorful and herb-flecked.
Step 3: Add Dressing Ingredients
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over your vibrant bowl of veggies. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper right over the top. At this stage, the aroma is already irresistible! These classic Mediterranean seasonings blend together to dress the salad while keeping the flavors bold and clean.
Step 4: Gently Combine Everything
Use a light hand to toss the salad, making sure the dressing coats every ingredient. The key is to be gentle, as you don’t want the tomato chunks to lose their structure and turn mushy. Let the mixture rest for 10 to 15 minutes—this marinating time allows all the flavors to mingle and develop beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give your Lebanese Tomato Salad one last toss, taste to adjust the seasoning, and transfer it to your serving platter or bowl. Now the salad is ready to take center stage at your table, glistening with freshness and flavor!
How to Serve Lebanese Tomato Salad
Garnishes
Amp up the flavor and visual appeal with classic Mediterranean garnishes. A pinch of sumac sprinkled on top brings a subtle, lemony tang and a pretty purple hue. Or, if you love a creamy, salty accent, scatter a bit of crumbled feta over the salad just before serving. Either way, these simple additions make the salad look and taste extra special.
Side Dishes
Lebanese Tomato Salad is perfectly at home alongside grilled meats, such as kebabs or chicken shawarma. It shines tucked into warm pita bread or as part of a mezze platter with hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh. The freshness of the salad cuts through richer dishes, balancing flavors on your plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For easy entertaining, spoon the salad into endive leaves or hollowed-out cherry tomatoes for eye-catching hors d’oeuvres. You can also layer it with sliced cucumbers or serve it over a bed of arugula, making a more substantial salad course. Packed in a mason jar, it becomes a picnic-perfect addition to any outdoor feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got any leftovers (which is rare, believe me), store your Lebanese Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Keep in mind, the tomatoes might release extra juices, so drain off a bit of liquid before serving again if needed.
Freezing
This salad isn’t suited for freezing—the tomatoes and herbs lose their texture and vibrant appeal once thawed. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh, when the flavors and texture are at their peak.
Reheating
No need to heat this dish; Lebanese Tomato Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it’s coming out of the fridge, just let it sit for a few minutes to take the chill off, give it a quick stir, and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes in Lebanese Tomato Salad?
Absolutely! Any variety of ripe, juicy tomatoes will work beautifully. Heirlooms, cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes add even more color and subtle differences in flavor. Just be sure they’re at their freshest for the best result.
What can I substitute for mint or parsley?
If you’re out of mint, try fresh basil for a different but delicious twist. Flat-leaf parsley is a must for authenticity, but you can use cilantro if you like a more pungent herbal note.
How do I keep the onions from overpowering the salad?
Soaking the thinly sliced red onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad helps mellow their bite, making them sweet and crisp rather than sharp.
Is Lebanese Tomato Salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This vibrant salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of diets. It’s a go-to side for serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Can I prepare Lebanese Tomato Salad ahead of time?
You can chop the tomatoes and herbs a few hours in advance and store them separately, but it’s best to toss everything together and dress it just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that truly celebrates the brilliance of fresh, simple ingredients, you just can’t go wrong with Lebanese Tomato Salad. Give it a try and let its summery flavors brighten up your next meal—you might be surprised at how quickly it becomes your new favorite!
Print
Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Lebanese Tomato Salad that bursts with fresh flavors. This simple salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish with grilled meats.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss: Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Enhance with sumac or feta for extra flavor.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day.
- Pair with grilled meats, pita, or as part of a mezze platter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
