Mediterranean Tomato Herb Salad
Delight in the vibrant flavors of our Mediterranean Tomato Herb Salad, a refreshing tribute to Armenian cuisine. This colorful salad, bursting with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, is perfect for summer gatherings or any meal that calls for a light and zesty accompaniment. The combination of mint, parsley, and sumac offers a unique twist, while the dressing of lemon juice and olive oil ties the salad together beautifully. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear from the table, as friends and family savor each delicious bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flat leaf parsley
80 g (roughly chopped)
Fresh mint
15 g (finely chopped)
Ripe tomatoes
400 g (cubed (deseed if very juicy))
Cucumber
1 small-medium (deseeded and cubed)
Red onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
Sumac
1 teaspoon (for sprinkling)
Lemon
1/2 (juice of (preferably large and juicy))
Sea salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (for dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and preparing all fresh ingredients: chop the parsley and mint, cube the tomatoes and cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, mint, cubed tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, mixing gently to incorporate the flavors.
3
Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with sumac and sea salt, adding a burst of flavor.
4
Drizzle the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over the salad, tossing lightly to evenly coat all ingredients.
5
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Tomato Herb Salad?
It is a refreshing, vibrant salad inspired by Armenian cuisine, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include flat leaf parsley, fresh mint, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, sumac, lemon juice, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Mediterranean Tomato Herb Salad is 100% vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
How should I prepare the parsley?
You should use approximately 80g of flat leaf parsley and roughly chop it after rinsing.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
While the recipe calls for 15g of finely chopped fresh mint for the best flavor, you can use dried mint in a smaller quantity if fresh is unavailable.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends 400g of ripe tomatoes. If they are very juicy, it is suggested to deseed them before cubing.
How do I prepare the cucumber for the salad?
Use one small-to-medium cucumber, deseed it, and then cut it into cubes.
What is sumac and why is it used?
Sumac is a tangy, citrusy spice used in Mediterranean cooking. It is sprinkled over the salad just before serving to provide a unique burst of flavor.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to dress the salad.
What kind of onion is best for this salad?
A finely chopped half of a red onion is recommended for its mild flavor and crisp texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this salad in advance?
While it is best served immediately for the freshest taste, you can chill it for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe suggests using the juice of half a large, juicy lemon.
When should I add the salt and sumac?
Sprinkle the sea salt and sumac over the salad just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor of the vegetables.
What should I do if my tomatoes are very watery?
If the tomatoes are particularly juicy, deseed them before cubing to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Absolutely, it is described as a refreshing tribute to Armenian cuisine, perfect for summer gatherings.
Can I use curly parsley instead of flat leaf?
While flat leaf parsley is specified for its texture and flavor, curly parsley can be used as a substitute if needed.
What is the best way to mix the salad?
Combine the herbs and vegetables in a large mixing bowl and mix gently to incorporate the flavors without bruising the ingredients.
Should I use table salt or sea salt?
The recipe specifically recommends sea salt to taste for the best seasoning results.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the dressing and seasonings.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While the recipe focuses on tomatoes and cucumbers, you can customize it, though the current version is designed for a specific herb-forward Mediterranean profile.
What is the serving suggestion?
Serve it immediately for a fresh taste or slightly chilled as a light and zesty side dish.
Does this salad contain any cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and olive oil, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
How finely should the red onion be chopped?
The red onion should be finely chopped so it distributes evenly and doesn't overpower the other flavors.
Is the cucumber peeled or unpeeled?
The recipe indicates it should be deseeded and cubed; peeling is optional depending on your preference for the skin's texture.
How much sumac is used?
One teaspoon of sumac is used for sprinkling over the salad.
What makes this salad 'Armenian' in style?
The heavy use of fresh parsley and mint combined with sumac and lemon juice are characteristic of Armenian and Levantine salad preparations.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best zesty flavor, especially since the recipe calls for the juice of half a large lemon.
How long does preparation take?
Preparation involves rinsing and chopping several vegetables and herbs, which typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the texture of this salad?
It is a mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and soft, leafy fresh herbs.