Best Middle Eastern Tomato Salad Recipes

Simple Shirazi Salad Recipe image

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 Roma tomatoes, small diced
1 English cucumber (or 4 small Persian cucumbers), small diced
1/4 to 1/2 cup finely chopped onions (red or yellow onions will work here)
1/2 green bell pepper (optional), chopped into small pieces
2 to 3 tbsp EACH chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, and dill
1 tbsp dried mint (or 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint)
Salt and pepper
Sumac, to taste (optional)
Juice of 2 large limes (4 tbsp)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (I used Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil)

Steps:

Place diced tomatoes for a few minutes in a colander to release excess liquid. (I don't remove the seeds, so this step helps.)
In a large bowl, place the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers.
To flavor, add fresh herbs, dried mint, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add sumac (I started with 1 tsp). Finally, add lime juice, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Toss to combine.
If you have the time, cover and chill this salad in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour for best taste.

Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

10 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
1 pound ripe tomatoes, seeded, cored, and 1/2-inch-diced
1 hothouse cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and 1/2-inch-diced
1 can or jar (12 to 16 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil
8 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch-diced
Toasted pita bread, for serving

Steps:

Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the vegetables. Add the feta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve the salad with the toasted pita bread.