Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad: A Bright, Herbaceous Delight

Hello, salad lovers! I’m Meriem, your passionate food blogger, and I’m excited to share a recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Lebanese cuisine to your table: Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad. This no-cook dish, inspired by the classic fattoush, combines juicy tomatoes, and a medley of fresh herbs, all tossed in a tangy lemon dressing with a hint of sumac. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for summer gatherings, as a side for grilled meats, or a light lunch. Drawing from your love for fresh, veggie-packed salads (like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad), this recipe is simple, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flair. Let’s get chopping and tossing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Vibrant: Bright veggies and herbs create a colorful, flavorful dish.
• Quick and No-Cook: Ready in 15 minutes, no stove required.
• Healthy and Light: Low-calorie, nutrient-packed, and full of fresh ingredients.
• Authentic Lebanese Flavors: Sumac and fresh herbs bring a Mediterranean twist.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side, appetizer, or light meal with pita bread.

---

What you will need ?

• 4 large tomatoes, chopped
  Purpose: Provides juicy, tangy flavor and vibrant color.
  Substitution: Use 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved), Roma tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes for variety. Cherry tomatoes were used in your Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad, so they’re a great swap here.
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
  Purpose: Offers sharp, savory bite.
  Substitution: Use green onions, shallots, or pickled red onion for a milder flavor, as seen in your Colorful Italian Spaghetti Salad and Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  Purpose: Adds freshness and a classic Mediterranean note.
  Substitution: Use cilantro, arugula, or 2 tbsp dried parsley for a different herbaceous profile, similar to your use of herbs in the Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs .
• ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
  Purpose: Contributes a cooling, aromatic flavor typical of Lebanese cuisine.
  Substitution: Use basil, dill, or 1 tbsp dried mint for a similar freshness, as you’ve liked mint in recipes like the Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs.
• 1 clove garlic, minced
  Purpose: Infuses savory depth.
  Substitution: Use ¼ tsp garlic powder or ½ tsp garlic paste for convenience, aligning with your use of garlic in dishes like the Savory Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry.
• ¼ cup lemon juice
  Purpose: Provides bright, tangy acidity in the dressing.
  Substitution: Use lime juice, white wine vinegar, or 1 tsp lemon extract for similar zing, as seen in your Lemon Zucchini Muffins (April 22, 2025).
• 3 tbsp olive oil
  Purpose: Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing.
  Substitution: Use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or omit for a lighter dressing, though oil enhances flavor, as you’ve enjoyed in salad dressings like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.
• ½ tsp salt
  Purpose: Enhances all flavors.
  Substitution: Use sea salt or reduce to ¼ tsp for low-sodium diets, aligning with your customizable seasoning preferences.
• ½ tsp black pepper
  Purpose: Adds a mild kick.
  Substitution: Use white pepper or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, as you’ve liked in dishes like the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta (April 21, 2025).
• 1 tsp sumac (optional)
  Purpose: Adds a tangy, lemony zest typical of Lebanese cuisine.
  Substitution: Use lemon zest, za’atar, or omit for a simpler flavor. Sumac adds authenticity, but the salad is still delicious without it.

---

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl (for salad)
• Small bowl (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Citrus juicer (for lemon juice)
• Optional: Tongs or large spoon (for tossing)

---

Step-By-Step Guiding

1️⃣ Combine the Veggies

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 large chopped tomatoes, and ½ finely chopped red onion.
• Tip: Chop tomatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces for a balanced texture, as you’ve preferred in salads like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad. Finely chop the onion to avoid overpowering the dish, a technique you’ve liked in similar recipes.

2️⃣ Add Herbs

• Add ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, ¼ cup chopped fresh mint, and 1 clove minced garlic to the bowl. Toss gently with a spoon or tongs to mix the ingredients evenly.
• Tip: Chop herbs finely for even distribution, as you’ve enjoyed in herb-heavy dishes like the Easy Greek Chicken Meatballs. Toss lightly to keep the veggies intact.

3️⃣ Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sumac (if using) until emulsified and well-blended.
• Tip: Whisk vigorously to combine oil and lemon juice, creating a cohesive dressing, as you’ve appreciated in salads. Taste and adjust with more lemon for tang or salt for savoriness.

4️⃣ Toss the Salad

• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly, ensuring the herbs and veggies are fully incorporated.
• Tip: Use a folding motion to distribute the dressing evenly, a method that keeps the salad fresh and textured, aligning with your preference for vibrant presentations in recipes like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.

5️⃣ Let Sit and Serve

• Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste.
• Serve fresh as a side dish, with pita bread, or as a light meal. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of sumac if desired.
• Tip: Serve in a shallow bowl to showcase the colors, as you’ve enjoyed in dishes like the Spaghetti . If serving later, add dressing just before serving to keep veggies crisp.

---

Topping Suggestions

• Feta Crumbles: Adds a tangy, salty contrast, as you’ve liked in Greek-inspired dishes.
• Pomegranate Seeds: A sweet-tart pop of color and flavor.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: Crunchy and nutty for texture.
• Sumac Sprinkle: Extra for a bold, lemony kick.
• Chopped Radish: Thinly sliced for a peppery crunch.
• Za’atar: A sprinkle for an earthy, herbaceous twist.

---

How to Store & Reheat

• Storage:
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomatoes may release juice, so consume sooner for best texture.
  • Tip: Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep veggies crisp. Stir gently before serving to redistribute juices.
• Freezing:
  • Freezing is not recommended, as fresh tomatoes and cucumber become watery upon thawing, affecting texture.
  • Tip: If you must freeze, freeze only the chopped tomatoes and onion, then add fresh cucumber, herbs, and dressing after thawing.
• Reheating:
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If chilled, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
  • Tip: Refresh with a squeeze of lemon juice or extra herbs before serving, as you’ve liked revitalizing fresh dishes in recipes like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad.

---

What to Serve with Fresh Tomato Salad

• Pita Bread: Warm and soft for scooping or wrapping.
• Grilled Kebabs: Chicken or lamb for a hearty Mediterranean meal.
• Hummus: Creamy and smooth as a dip or side.
• Iced Mint Tea: A refreshing drink.

---

Ingredient Substitutions Recap

• Tomatoes → Cherry Tomatoes: Smaller, sweeter, similar juiciness.
• Parsley → Cilantro: Similar freshness, different flavor profile.
• Mint → Basil: Sweet, aromatic substitute.
• Lemon Juice → Lime Juice: Comparable tang, slightly different citrus note.

---

FAQs

Print

This Fresh Lebanese Tomato Salad is a vibrant, no-cook dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in just 15 minutes. With juicy tomatoes, and a fragrant mix of parsley and mint, all tossed in a zesty lemon-sumac dressing, it’s perfect as a side, appetizer, or light meal. Inspired by your love for fresh, herb-packed salads (like the Vibrant Avocado Corn Tomato Salad), this recipe is quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Try it with your favorite toppings, pair it with pita bread, and share your experience in the comments below. Happy tossing, and enjoy every fresh, flavorful bite!