Best 5 Authentic Middle Eastern Salad Recipes

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Middle Eastern salads are a vibrant and flavorful part of the region's cuisine, offering a refreshing and healthy balance to many meat-based dishes. With a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, these salads burst with bold flavors that tantalize the taste buds. From the crisp crunch of cucumbers and tomatoes to the zesty tang of lemon and sumac, each bite offers a unique culinary journey. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing mezze platter appetizer or a hearty side dish to accompany your main course, this guide will provide you with all the essential information and tips you need to create an authentic Middle Eastern salad that will impress your family and friends.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FATTOUSH SALAD



Fattoush Salad image

Fattoush Salad makes a frequent appearance on the Middle Eastern dinner table. A simple chopped salad dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. Homemade pita chips serve as croutons! See the video and step-by-step for how to make fattoush below.

Provided by The Mediterranean Dish

Categories     Salad

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 loaves pita bread
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
2 tsp sumac, divided, more as needed
1 heart of Romaine lettuce, chopped
1 English cucumber, cut in half, seeds scraped, then chopped or sliced into half moons
5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
5 green onions (both white and green parts), chopped
5 radishes, stems removed, thinly sliced
2 cups chopped fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
1 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon or 1 1/2 limes
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 to 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, optional
Salt and pepper
1 tsp sumac
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
scant 1/4 tsp ground allspice

Steps:

  • Break the pita bread into small bite-size pieces. Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan until shimmering, and add the pita bread. Fry briefly until browned, tossing frequently. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the fried pita chips to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Season with salt, pepper and sumac.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions with the sliced radish and parsley.
  • To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon or lime juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses (if using), salt, pepper and spices.
  • Pour toss lightly. Finally, add the pita chips, and more sumac if you like, and toss one more time. Transfer to small serving bowls or plates. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Sugar 11.4 g, Sodium 177.6 mg, Fat 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 39.8 g, Fiber 11.3 g, Protein 9.1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

ARABIC SALAD RECIPE



Arabic Salad Recipe image

This is a traditional middle eastern salad which is mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, lettuce, sumac spices and olive oil.

Provided by Saif Al Deen Odeh

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 8m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cup of chopped cucumber
1 cup of chopped tomatoes
1 cup of chopped lettuce
1/2 cup of chopped parsley
2 tablespoon of olive oil
2 teaspoon of sumac spices
Salt and Black Pepper for taste

Steps:

  • Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce and parsley
  • Transfer them into a large bowl
  • Add sumac spices and olive oil in that bowl. Mix them with the vegetable well.
  • Add salt and black pepper for taste
  • Serve it with any main course meal preferably meat and rice dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 89 calories, Carbohydrate 6 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 0 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 7 grams fat, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 2 grams protein, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 133 grams sodium, Sugar 2 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams unsaturated fat

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE SALAD



Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

10 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
1 pound ripe tomatoes, seeded, cored, and 1/2-inch-diced
1 hothouse cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and 1/2-inch-diced
1 can or jar (12 to 16 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil
8 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch-diced
Toasted pita bread, for serving

Steps:

  • Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the vegetables. Add the feta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve the salad with the toasted pita bread.

AUTHENTIC MIDDLE EASTERN SALAD



AUTHENTIC MIDDLE EASTERN SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Vegetable     Side

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

Salad:
1 head romaine, broken into bite-size pieces (or 2 hearts of romaine)
1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/2" chunks
handful of grape tomatoes, halved
Several slices red onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 medium-sized green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
Handful of pitted Kalamata olives
2-3 ounce chunk sheep's milk feta, crumbled
Dressing - approximate amounts:
1 garlic clove crushed
2 tsp dried mint leaf
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Juice of 1/2 thin-skinned juicy lemon
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
S&P to taste

Steps:

  • In bottom of large salad bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together. Add all salad ingredient except romaine and toss. At this point, salad can be held until serving time, either at room temperature or in refrigerator. Just before serving, add romaine & feta and toss.

MIDDLE EASTERN SALAD



Middle Eastern Salad image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield Six servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups small French lentils
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin, toasted
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill
3 scallions, chopped

Steps:

  • Simmer the lentils in 4 cups of water until barely tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and cool. Add half the lemon juice. Toss well and set aside.
  • Put the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the cumin and the turmeric, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add the Tabasco, the salt and the remaining lemon juice and stir this into the lentils. Stir carefully to avoid getting a big mushy mess. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and some pepper if you choose. Gently stir in the mint, dill and scallions, arrange on a large platter and serve at room temperature buffet style.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 313, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 42 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 202 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Utilize fresh ingredients: Always opt for the freshest vegetables and herbs to ensure the salad's vibrant flavors and nutritional value.
  • Choose ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes contribute a naturally sweet and juicy taste to the salad.
  • Finely chop the parsley: Finely chopping the parsley helps distribute its aromatic flavor throughout the salad.
  • Use a quality olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil's rich flavor and health benefits make it the ideal choice for dressing the salad.
  • Season to taste: Adjust the amount of lemon juice, salt, and pepper based on your personal preferences.

Conclusion:

This authentic Middle Eastern salad offers a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and colors. With its refreshing combination of crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy dressing, it serves as a healthy and flavorful side dish or a light main course. By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you can easily recreate this traditional salad in your own kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this simple yet delicious recipe!

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