Zingy Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe: Bright Flavors Made Fresh

Fresh summer vegetables burst with vibrant flavors in this authentic Lebanese tomato salad that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Crisp cucumbers and ripe tomatoes dance together in a zesty blend of herbs and spices.

Each bite offers a refreshing crunch that transports you to sun-drenched Lebanese streets.

The salad combines simple ingredients with bold, bright seasonings that awaken your palate.

Chopped parsley adds a verdant touch, while olive oil and lemon juice create a light, tangy dressing.

Serve this colorful dish as a perfect side or light meal that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients.

You’ll want to make this salad again and again for its irresistible simplicity and incredible taste.

FAQs

• What makes red bell pepper special in this salad?

Red bell pepper adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the dressing, creating a unique base that enhances the tomatoes’ natural taste without overpowering them.

• Why use sumac in the recipe?

Sumac brings a lemony, slightly tart flavor that adds depth and brightness to the salad, providing a traditional Middle Eastern touch to the dish.

• Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use various tomato varieties like cherry, beefsteak, or heirloom tomatoes. Just ensure they are ripe and fresh for the best flavor and texture.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! The salad is packed with vitamins from tomatoes and red bell peppers, contains healthy olive oil, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits from the herbs and spices used.

Why Lebanese Tomato Salad Is So Fresh

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Enjoy a dessert that comes together with minimal effort, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: This traditional apple crisp delivers nostalgic flavors that appeal to all ages, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your experience by enjoying it warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or simply on its own for a delightful treat.
• Simple Ingredient Lineup: Requires basic pantry staples and fresh apples, eliminating the need for specialty ingredients or complicated shopping trips.

What You Need for Lebanese Tomato Salad

• Tomatoes: Juicy and ripe tomatoes form the base of this vibrant Lebanese salad.
• Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and colorful pepper adds depth to the dressing.
• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb provides a bright and crisp finishing touch to the salad.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.
• Sumac: Tangy Middle Eastern spice brings a unique citrusy note to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the salad's taste.

• Olive Oil: Rich and smooth oil that helps blend the dressing and adds a luxurious texture.

Steps for Making Lebanese Tomato Salad

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Tomatoes

Grab your ripe tomatoes and chop them into neat quarters. Drop these juicy pieces into a roomy mixing bowl, creating a colorful foundation for your Lebanese salad.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Carefully remove the stem and seeds from the red bell pepper. Slice it into quarters, preparing for a vibrant blending adventure.

Toss the pepper and garlic into a food processor and blend until you’ve got a silky smooth paste that looks like sunset-colored velvet.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Dressing

Transfer your pepper-garlic mixture into a mixing bowl.

• Smoked paprika
• Sumac
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Whisk everything together until the dressing looks glossy and well-integrated.

Step 4: Marry Flavors

Pour the dazzling dressing over your tomato quarters. Gently toss the salad, ensuring every tomato piece gets a loving coating of the spicy-smoky mixture.

Sprinkle in freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal kick.

Step 5: Chill and Intensify

Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let the salad rest and mingle for half an hour, allowing the flavors to dance and deepen.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the chilled salad from the refrigerator.

Transfer to a beautiful serving bowl and get ready to enjoy a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate!

Notes to Help Make Tomato Salad Stand Out

• Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in this Lebanese salad.
• Roast bell peppers beforehand to add a smoky, caramelized undertone to the dressing.
• Adjust parsley quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Keep the salad refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a small amount of fresh chili for those who enjoy extra spiciness.

Tasty Mix-Ins for Lebanese Tomato Salad Fans

• Spicy Herb Fusion: Replace parsley with cilantro and add a diced jalapeño for extra heat and zesty flavor.
• Mediterranean Cucumber Remix: Incorporate diced cucumber for added crunch and freshness, reducing tomato quantity by half.
• Vegan Protein Power: Sprinkle roasted chickpeas on top to boost protein content and create a more substantial salad.
• Gluten-Free Herb Alternative: Use fresh mint instead of parsley for a different aromatic profile while keeping the recipe gluten-free and light.

Best Foods to Serve With Tomato Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's bright, tangy flavors and cuts through the olive oil's richness.
• Serve with Grilled Pita Bread: Toast warm, soft pita triangles to scoop up the tomato salad, creating a perfect Mediterranean-style appetizer or side dish that enhances the salad's texture.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Add marinated chicken or lamb kebabs alongside the salad to create a balanced meal where the fresh tomato salad provides a cool, zesty contrast to the smoky grilled meat.
• Complement with Feta Cheese: Crumble cool, salty feta over the salad to introduce a creamy element that balances the tomatoes' acidity and adds a traditional Lebanese touch.

How to Keep Lebanese Tomato Salad Crisp

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its fresh flavor and crisp texture.
• Before storing, drain any accumulated liquid to prevent the tomatoes from becoming soggy and mushy.
• If possible, store the dressing separately from the tomatoes to keep the salad's ingredients crisp and prevent wilting.
• Before serving again, gently stir the salad and add a small drizzle of fresh olive oil to revive the flavors and appearance.

Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in this Lebanese Tomato Salad, blending fresh cucumbers, parsley, and zesty sumac. Crisp ingredients mingle with a tangy olive oil dressing, delivering a refreshing experience you’ll savor with each vibrant bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) campari tomatoes, quartered
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) parsley, chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Oils:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean mixing bowl and slice ripe tomatoes into precise quarter segments, ensuring uniform size and shape.
2. Carefully remove stem and seeds from red bell pepper, then section into quarters for smooth blending.
3. Utilize a food processor to transform bell pepper and garlic into a silky, uniform paste with consistent texture.
4. Create the dressing by transferring the pepper-garlic paste into a separate bowl, then incorporate smoked paprika, sumac, salt, pepper, and olive oil, whisking until ingredients harmonize.
5. Gently cascade the vibrant dressing over tomato quarters, using a delicate folding technique to ensure even coating without bruising the delicate fruit.
6. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley throughout the salad, distributing the herb for balanced flavor and visual appeal.
7. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for precisely 30 minutes at 40°F, allowing flavors to intensify and meld together.
8. Present the chilled Lebanese tomato salad in a decorative serving vessel, ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing accompaniment to main dishes.

Notes

• Select ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re not overripe or mushy.
• Customize the dressing’s heat by adjusting the garlic quantity or adding a pinch of chili flakes for extra kick.
• Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing Mediterranean-style side dish that complements grilled meats or as a standalone light meal.
• For a vegan version, ensure all ingredients are plant-based and consider adding toasted pine nuts for extra protein and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Lebanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg