Imagine a dish that instantly transports you to a sunny Lebanese courtyard, where the air is perfumed with fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes glisten in the afternoon light—that’s exactly what Lebanese Tomato Salad promises. Bursting with vibrant colors and unbeatable flavor, this easy yet elegant salad is a true celebration of the Mediterranean diet, pairing juicy tomatoes and crisp onions with a citrusy, herby dressing you’ll want to mop up with every last bit of bread. Perfect for hot days, family meals, or even a quick weekday lunch, Lebanese Tomato Salad is the kind of recipe you’ll crave all summer and keep coming back to year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lebanese Tomato Salad lies in its simplicity: fresh, straightforward ingredients do all the heavy lifting, creating a depth of flavor with very little effort. Each component plays a vital role, working together to create bright, balanced, and irresistible bites.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for sweetness and a satisfying bite—heirloom or cherry varieties work beautifully for added color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, its sharpness contrasts the tomatoes and mellows nicely after sitting in the salad.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped, this herb brings freshness and a burst of green with every forkful.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, it binds everything together with smooth Mediterranean flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: Squeezed just before mixing, it adds tang and balances the oiliness with a zesty lift.
- Sumac: This tangy, deep red spice infuses the salad with a signature citrus note and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting every fresh ingredient in the dish.
How to Make Lebanese Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping your ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces—don’t worry about perfection, a rustic chop looks (and tastes) great. Thinly slice your red onion for mild, sweet crunch. Finally, finely chop the fresh parsley. This trio forms the colorful, flavorful base of your Lebanese Tomato Salad.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl
Grab a large mixing bowl and add in your chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, and parsley. Choose a bowl big enough for easy tossing—this lets all the flavors mingle beautifully without making a mess.
Step 3: Dress and Season
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice evenly over the salad. Sprinkle in the sumac, then give it a good pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper. The sumac is your secret weapon here, delivering a lemony zing that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Step 4: Toss Gently
With clean hands or salad tongs, toss everything gently to combine. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes—you want to keep their texture intact so every bite feels juicy and full of flavor.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Here’s the secret to truly next-level Lebanese Tomato Salad: let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This brief pause allows the tomatoes to release their juices, the onions to mellow, and the dressing to meld with the herbs for maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve Lebanese Tomato Salad
Garnishes
Elevate your Lebanese Tomato Salad with a final flourish—a sprinkle of extra sumac, a scattering of fresh mint, or a drizzle of more olive oil. Sometimes, a handful of crumbled feta or sliced olives can add even more intrigue to the plate, but keep the focus on those gorgeous tomatoes.
Side Dishes
This salad plays nicely alongside all your Mediterranean favorites. It’s a classic pairing with grilled meats like chicken, lamb chops, or kebabs. A scoop alongside warm pita bread or fluffy rice makes for a simple, satisfying meal. Don’t forget to serve it at summer barbecues—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile your Lebanese Tomato Salad atop grilled flatbreads, spoon it over hummus for an easy appetizer, or tuck it into pita pockets for a speedy lunch. Layering with roasted eggplant or adding a swirl of Greek yogurt gives an exciting textural contrast and a whole new flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Lebanese Tomato Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh, as the tomatoes continue to release their juices and the salad softens.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this vibrant salad. Tomatoes and herbs lose their fresh texture and become mushy once thawed. To savor the best flavors and colors, stick to making Lebanese Tomato Salad fresh as needed.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—there’s no reheating needed. If it’s been in the fridge, simply allow it to come to room temp before serving, and give it a gentle toss to rediscover its lively texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use different types of tomatoes in Lebanese Tomato Salad?
Absolutely! Heirloom, Roma, or even cherry tomatoes work beautifully in this recipe. Mixing varieties not only adds vibrant colors but also brings different flavors and juicy textures to the salad.
What if I don’t have sumac?
While sumac gives a tangy kick that’s traditional in Lebanese Tomato Salad, you can substitute with a little extra lemon juice or a tiniest splash of red wine vinegar in a pinch. The flavor won’t be the same, but it will still taste fresh and zippy.
Is Lebanese Tomato Salad suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Just double-check any optional garnishes, like cheese, if you’re keeping it fully vegan.
Can I make Lebanese Tomato Salad in advance?
You can prepare the ingredients a few hours ahead and keep them separate, only mixing together right before serving. This keeps the tomatoes at their freshest and the herbs vibrant.
What proteins go well with Lebanese Tomato Salad?
It’s delicious next to grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or seared halloumi for vegetarians. Even simple beans or chickpeas can turn this into a heartier, protein-rich meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the sun-ripened taste and lively colors of homemade Lebanese Tomato Salad to make any meal feel special. Give it a try, play with the flavors, and enjoy how effortlessly it brightens your table—your friends and family will be coming back for seconds!
Print
Lebanese Tomato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Lebanese Tomato Salad bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley, and zesty lemon dressing. This vegan salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal, especially during the summer months.
Ingredients
Tomato Salad:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season: Sprinkle with sumac, salt, and pepper.
- Toss: Gently mix until well combined.
- Rest: Let sit for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
- Enhance with mint or oregano.
- Perfect with grilled meats or pita bread.
- Try heirloom or cherry tomatoes for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
