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 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
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
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
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
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
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
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
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories salads and dressings, side dish
Time 30m
Yield Six servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
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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