Name: Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon sumac (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with sunshine and the flavors of the Mediterranean, Lebanese Tomato Salad is about to become your new obsession. This iconic salad is a mouthwatering medley of juicy tomatoes, bright herbs, a drizzle of fragrant olive oil, and a zing from lemon and sumac. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply jazzing up a weekday lunch, Lebanese Tomato Salad is effortlessly elegant and comes together in minutes. Let’s dive in to elevate your salad game with every vibrant, juicy bite!

Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lebanese Tomato Salad lies in its handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that come together for maximum impact. Each one has a distinct purpose, contributing crispness, color, and irresistible zest. Here’s how every element plays its part:

Ripe tomatoes: Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find — they provide the bold foundation and luscious texture of this salad.
Red onion: Sliced thin, red onion adds a gentle bite and a pop of color that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Fresh parsley: This herb gives the salad its signature freshness and a delightful, slightly peppery note.
Fresh mint leaves: Adds cooling aromas and classic Levantine character — don’t skip this!
Extra virgin olive oil: Lends a silky mouthfeel and enhances every ingredient with its fruity aroma.
Fresh lemon juice: For brightness and a touch of tang that awakens the whole salad.
Sumac (optional): This deep red spice gives a traditional tartness and a hit of color. Highly recommended if you want authentic flavor.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together — just enough to enhance, not overpower.
Black pepper: A sprinkle for subtle heat and earthy tone.

How to Make Lebanese Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by chopping your tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop both the parsley and fresh mint leaves. Take a moment to inhale the fragrances from these herbs — this is where Lebanese Tomato Salad gets its incredible aroma. Place all the chopped vegetables and herbs into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sumac (if you’re using it for that tangy pop), salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s luscious and well blended. This simple dressing is bold, zesty, and ties all the flavors together seamlessly.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Pour the freshly made dressing over the tomato, onion, parsley, and mint mixture. Using gentle hands or salad tongs, toss the salad to evenly coat every piece. You want every tomato chunk and shard of herb glistening with flavor.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Mingle

Allow the Lebanese Tomato Salad to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This short wait lets the tomatoes release their delicious juices and soak up the herbs and dressing, truly marrying all the flavors. Serve your salad slightly chilled or at room temperature — both are divine!

How to Serve Lebanese Tomato Salad

Garnishes

Before serving, give your Lebanese Tomato Salad a final flourish with a scattering of extra chopped parsley or mint. A pinch of sumac on top adds a ruby-red sparkle and extra zing. If you’re feeling creative, crumbled feta or thinly sliced cucumber is a fun way to add color and texture.

Side Dishes

This salad is right at home alongside your favorite Mediterranean mains. Pair it with smoky grilled meats, golden falafel, or even just warm, pillowy pita bread. Its crisp, vibrant notes balance richer dishes and round out your mezze spread beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, spoon your Lebanese Tomato Salad into pretty small bowls or mason jars for single servings. You can also pile it high atop toasted bread for a Middle Eastern bruschetta, or stuff it inside pita pockets for a quick picnic-ready lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store the Lebanese Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day, as the tomatoes can soften and release more juice, but the flavors often intensify and meld in the best way!

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Lebanese Tomato Salad. The fresh tomato and herbs lose their texture and bright flavors once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or from the fridge while it’s at its most vibrant.

Reheating

No need to reheat — Lebanese Tomato Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If chilled, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the edge off the cold and allow all the flavors to shine.

FAQs

What type of tomatoes work best for Lebanese Tomato Salad?

The juiciest, ripest tomatoes you can find are ideal. Plum, heirloom, or classic vine-ripened tomatoes all work beautifully. Avoid underripe or overly watery varieties.

Is sumac really necessary?

While sumac is traditional and adds a special tang, the salad is still delicious without. If you want that authentic Lebanese flavor, though, it’s highly recommended!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the veggies and dressing a few hours ahead and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness. If mixed too early, the tomatoes will release more juice, resulting in a slightly softer salad.

Is Lebanese Tomato Salad vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This classic recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for almost any dietary preference — just double-check your side dishes for allergens.

Are there any good substitutions for mint or parsley?

If you’re missing one of the herbs, you can swap in a bit of fresh cilantro or basil as a twist, but for that true Lebanese Tomato Salad experience, parsley and mint are best.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a bowl of Lebanese Tomato Salad — it’s refreshingly simple, yet so full of zest and heart. If you’re ready to bring a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to your table, give this recipe a try; I promise you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Lebanese Tomato Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing. This simple yet flavorful salad is perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1/2 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)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to mix.
Rest: Allow the flavors to meld for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.