If you’re craving a salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch, then this Arabic Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This simple yet irresistible salad masterfully combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs, all tied together with a tangy sumac dressing that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s one of those dishes that feels light and wholesome but packs a serious punch in taste—perfect for any meal or as a stand-alone snack that leaves you smiling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Arabic Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity, where common yet essential ingredients come together to create an explosion of freshness, color, and texture. Each component brings something special, from the juiciness of the tomatoes to the aromatic punch of fresh herbs, making every bite a delightful experience.
- 4 Roma tomatoes (diced): Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for a juicy sweetness that forms the salad’s base.
- 4 small cucumbers (diced): Adds that crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1/2 medium red onion (finely diced): Offers a sharp but subtle bite to elevate the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brings a bright, herbaceous note to brighten every forkful.
- 1/4 cup chopped mint: Mint adds a cooling freshness that makes the salad extra vibrant.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: A quality extra virgin olive oil ties all the ingredients together with richness.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Lemon juice adds essential zing and acidity to lift all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sumac: This tangy Middle Eastern spice is the secret star, imparting a lemony tartness.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, warm spice finish perfect for balance.
How to Make Arabic Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Veggies
Start by dicing the Roma tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. The size of the dice is important—aim for uniform pieces so every bite has a balanced crunch and flavor. Toss them together gently in a large bowl to evenly mix those lovely vibrant colors and textures.
Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs
Next, sprinkle the chopped parsley and mint over the vegetables. These herbs bring an unmistakable freshness to the salad that is absolutely vital. Stir them in carefully so their bright, herbal notes are evenly spread throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended. This simple dressing is the heartbeat of the Arabic Salad Recipe, turning crisp veggies into a cohesive, flavor-packed delight.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad bowl and toss everything together thoroughly. You want every bit of vegetable to be lightly coated with that beautiful lemony, olive oil dressing so each mouthful bursts with flavor.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Marinate
While you can serve immediately, allowing the salad to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes really lets the flavors meld beautifully. Sumac and lemon infuse the veggies with their tangy freshness, creating depth and harmony in every bite.
How to Serve Arabic Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, garnish your Arabic salad with a few whole mint leaves or a light sprinkle of sumac on top. Toasted pine nuts or a scattering of crumbled feta can elevate the dish with added texture and subtle creaminess.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or alongside warm flatbreads and hummus. It’s a fantastic complement to any Middle Eastern spread and a fantastic fresh counterpoint when served with heavier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the Arabic Salad Recipe in a large, colorful bowl for family-style serving, or serve it in individual cups or small bowls for elegant entertaining. Layer it on pita bread for a tasty, quick snack or stuff it into wraps for a healthy lunch option bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The freshness of the herbs and veggies is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days as the salad can become a bit watery if left too long. Stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Arabic Salad Recipe since the fresh vegetables and herbs will lose their crisp texture and become mushy upon thawing, which detracts from the salad’s vibrant character.
Reheating
Because this is a fresh salad, it is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and would diminish the bright, refreshing qualities that make this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While Roma tomatoes are ideal for their firm texture and balanced flavor, you can use vine-ripe or cherry tomatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to dice them similarly to maintain consistency.
Is sumac essential in this recipe?
Sumac is a key ingredient that adds the signature tanginess and a slight citrus note that defines the Arabic Salad Recipe. However, if unavailable, lemon zest can be a temporary substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to customize your salad with additions like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. Just keep in mind that the original recipe keeps things simple to highlight the traditional flavors.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Arabic Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible for many dietary preferences without any modification needed.
How long can I let the salad sit before serving?
Allowing the salad to rest for around 30 minutes at room temperature enhances the flavor meld. Beyond that, it’s best eaten fresh to enjoy the crispness of the veggies and herbs.
Final Thoughts
This Arabic Salad Recipe is a radiant celebration of fresh ingredients and simple techniques that come together to make something truly special. It’s perfect whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy side or a delightful salad to brighten your table. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your favorite fresh salad that you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Arabic Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Arabic Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and herbs, tossed with a tangy sumac and lemon dressing. Perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish, it combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic parsley and mint for a classic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 4 small cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
Herbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and finely diced red onion. Stir well to mix the vegetables evenly.
- Add Herbs: Top the vegetable mixture with the chopped parsley and mint. Stir gently to incorporate the fresh herbs throughout the salad.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sumac, sea salt, and ground black pepper until fully combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing evenly.
- Serve or Rest: Serve the salad immediately for a crisp texture, or allow it to rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- The salad can be chilled for a short while before serving to enhance freshness but avoid long refrigeration to keep herbs vibrant.
- Sumac adds a unique tangy flavor; if unavailable, a small splash of vinegar can be a substitute, though it will alter the taste slightly.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for a light, healthy meal or side dish.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or walnuts just before serving.
