Middle Eastern salads offer a vibrant and flavorful array of dishes that showcase the region's diverse culinary heritage. Bursting with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, tangy dressings, and tantalizing spices, these salads are a celebration of the region's rich history, culture, and love for food. From the classic fattoush, with its crispy pita bread, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cucumber; to the tabbouleh, featuring fluffy bulgur wheat, aromatic parsley, and zesty lemon-olive oil dressing; these salads captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression on the palate. Join us as we explore the delectable world of Middle Eastern salads, uncovering the secrets behind their irresistible allure and providing you with the ultimate guide to creating these culinary masterpieces in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MIDDLE EASTERN PITA SALAD (FATTOUSH SALAD) RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: small pita rounds, olive oil, salt, romaine lettuce, medium cucumber, cherry tomato, scallions, radish, red bell pepper, fresh parsley, fresh mint, lemons, white wine vinegar, garlic, ground sumac, allspice, pepper
Provided by Gwenaelle Le Cochennec
Categories Sides
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Slice the pitas in half to make 4 thin rounds. Place the pitas on a nonstick sheet pan. Brush with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt.
- Bake for about 5 minutes, until the outside is golden brown. Let cool until they become crispy.
- Make 3 cuts lengthwise on each of the romaine hearts, remove the stems, and chop into smaller pieces. Rinse, drain, and add to a large salad bowl.
- Seed the cucumber, dice it, and add it to the salad bowl.
- Cut the tomatoes in half and add them to the salad bowl.
- Mince the scallions and add them to the salad bowl.
- Add the radishes, bell pepper, parsley, and mint to the salad bowl and toss to combine.
- In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup (120 ml) of oil, the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, sumac, allspice, salt, and pepper and whisk until well-combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Break the crispy pitas into small pieces and add to the salad. Toss well.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 266 calories, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 4 grams, Sugar 6 grams
MIDDLE EASTERN TOMATO SALAD
This salad is a perfect side dish for any phase of the South Beach Diet, or any other diet for that matter, and it's an incredible tasting summer treat for anyone, whether or not you're on a diet. I think it pairs wonderfully with any kind of grilled meat or fish.
Provided by mjkitty96
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Cucumber Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place diced cucumber into a colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt or as needed; allow to drain for about 15 minutes. Toss drained cucumber with tomato, sweet onion, parsley, and mint. Drizzle salad with olive oil and fresh lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 48.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.1 g, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 297.3 mg, Sugar 1.8 g
MIDDLE EASTERN BALELA SALAD
Middle Eastern chickpea and black bean salad flavored with fresh herbs. Super simple and refreshing!
Provided by fredswife2
Categories Salad Beans Black Bean Salad Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Stir chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint together in a large bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and ground pepper together in a bowl; pour over chickpea mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate salad until flavors blend, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.6 g, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 11.9 g, Protein 11.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 665.5 mg, Sugar 2.6 g
LENTIL AND CARROT SALAD WITH MIDDLE EASTERN SPICES
I combined two of my favorite Mediterranean salads to stretch the cup of lentils I had in my pantry. Take care not to overcook the lentils; they should be slightly al dente. They go quickly from al dente to mushy, so make sure to check after 25 minutes.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, lunch, salads and dressings, main course, side dish
Time 45m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place the lentils in a medium saucepan, cover by 1 inch with water, add the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Add salt to taste, reduce the heat and cook just until the lentils are al dente, about 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic in a small frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. When the garlic begins to sizzle, add the spices. Stir together for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl.
- While the lentils are simmering, steam the carrots for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Remove from the heat and transfer to the bowl with the garlic and spices. Add the lemon juice and salt to taste and toss together.
- When the lentils are cooked al dente, set a strainer over a bowl, drain the lentils and toss at once with the carrots. If desired, add some of the broth to moisten. Add cilantro and another tablespoon of olive oil and toss together. Add freshly ground pepper, taste and adjust salt. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 243, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 27 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 248 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
MIDDLE EASTERN TUNA SALAD PITAS
This isn't any old tuna salad sandwich. Filled with hummus (Middle Eastern chickpea dip), sesame oil, cumin and cilantro, this is a tuna salad like you've probably never had before. Pack it in pita pockets along with a slices of tomato and lettuce. I am not a cilantro fan, so I leave it out.
Provided by Brenda.
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- To prepare tuna salad:
- Combine all ingredients except pitas, lettuce, and tomato in a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir well to mix.
- Taste and add salt and more cayenne, if desired.
- Salad can be prepared 1 day ahead. To store, cover and refrigerate.
- To assemble sandwiches: Divide tuna salad equally and mound in pita pockets. Add several tomatoes slices and a lettuce leaf to each pocket. Arrange sandwiches in a basket or on a serving plate. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 424.6, Fat 13.1, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 35.9, Sodium 911, Carbohydrate 48, Fiber 9.7, Sugar 2.5, Protein 32.3
MIDDLE EASTERN BEAN SALAD WITH PARSLEY AND LEMON (BALELA)
I got this recipe from kalynskitchenblogspot.com A simple bean dish that is great to make ahead. The star of the recipe is chopped fresh parsly.
Provided by Dona England
Categories Beans
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Pour chick peas and black beans one at a time into colander placed in sink, rinse well until no more foam appears and let drain.Blot dry if they seem too wet.
- While beans are draining, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and let the flavors blend.
- Mix the salad ingredients together and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Chop green onions, tomatoes and parsly and add to bowl. Combine this with the beans.
- Whisk dressing ingredients and gently add dressing to bean mixture.
- Add salt and pepper.
MIDDLE EASTERN POTATO SALAD
An American classic with a Middle Eastern twist. This recipe doesn't contain any mayonnaise, so it is perfect for a picnic. From Cooking Pleasures magazine.
Provided by SkinnyMinnie
Categories Potato
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large pot, put the potatoes and cover with cold water; salt and bring to a boil.
- Cook potatoes for 10-12 min or until fork tender.
- Cool and quarter, or cut into 8 pieces depending on size.
- Meanwhile, in another large bowl, stir together the green onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, allspice, and coriander.
- Add the potatoes, parsley, and tomatoes; toss well to coat.
MIDDLE EASTERN-INSPIRED MACARONI SALAD
This creamy, tangy macaroni salad is inspired by the many wonderful flavors of the Middle East. The za'atar seasoning gives it an earthy (and delicious!) taste. -Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook lamb over medium heat until no longer pink, 6-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles; drain. Set aside to cool completely. , For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, onion, za'atar seasoning, macaroni and lamb. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. , Refrigerate until serving. Top with yogurt and lemon zest if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 361 calories, Fat 25g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 329mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
MIDDLE EASTERN BEAN SALAD
Steps:
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic together in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add parsley, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and onion; toss to coat. Sprinkle sumac over salad; season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 196.8 calories, Carbohydrate 21.9 g, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 299 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
SALATA TAHINI--MIDDLE EASTERN TAHINI SALAD
This recipe goes well with just about every middle eastern dish. Its very flavorful, one of my favorites. I make this at home, but I am not good at keeping measurements, so I snagged it off of the web and tweaked it, to the way I make it at home.*To spice it up you can also add chopped hot pepper to it as well*.
Provided by chef FIFI
Categories Vegetable
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- *May need to adjust tahini and water levels to desired consistency*. Consistency should be creamy.
- Dice up tomatoes and cucumbers and combine them together in a medium bowl.
- Place garlic, hot pepper and salt in a mortar.
- Smash until mushed.
- Tahini dressing takes a bit of stirring to become creamy so, you can either add tahini,and water in a bowl by itself and mix or you can add to the same bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Add lemon in increments to achieve desired tartness.
- Stir the dressing until smooth and creamy.
- combine everything including garlic/hot pepper together making sure you have added the mint.
- Take tbsp of dried mint, Place in hand and take other hand and rub together, this will sort of grind the mint up smaller and separate it from any stems.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with a swirl of olive oil on top.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 380.5, Fat 29.1, SaturatedFat 4.1, Sodium 54.8, Carbohydrate 24.9, Fiber 7.2, Sugar 4.4, Protein 12.4
MIDDLE EASTERN LENTIL SALAD
This spicy salad is one of my favorite lentil preparations. The trick is not to overcook the lentils, which should be al dente.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, salads and dressings
Time 40m
Yield Serves six
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place the lentils in a medium saucepan, cover by 1 inch with water and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt, reduce the heat and cook just until the lentils are al dente, about 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic in a small frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. When the garlic begins to sizzle, add the spices. Stir together for about 30 seconds, then remove from the heat and set aside.
- When the lentils are just tender, drain through a strainer set over a bowl. Toss at once in another bowl with the garlic, spices, cilantro and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt. If the lentils seem a little dry, add a few tablespoons of the broth. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 254, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 32 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 147 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram
SPICY MIDDLE-EASTERN ALLIGATOR WITH RICE PILAF AND TABBOULEH SALAD
Steps:
- In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the beaten egg whites, garlic, lemon juice, and red chili powder. Using a meat tenderizer, pound all of the alligator fillets until they are tender. Marinate the alligator in the egg white mixture for about 20 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the alligator fillets from the marinade and sprinkle them with salt. Carefully place the alligator fillets in the pan, and saute them until browned. Work in batches as necessary. Flip the fillets with tongs or with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side, and the meat is cooked through.
- In a medium bowl, cover the bulgur wheat with warm water and allow it to soak for approximately 20 minutes. Pour the bulgur wheat into a strainer, and then squeeze out all of the excess water. Mix the lemon juice, salt, and pepper with the bulgur wheat and set aside.
- Wash the parsley, and dry it thoroughly. Chop the parsley very finely and combine it, along with the tomatoes and scallions, with the bulgur wheat mixture. Stir the olive oil into the salad until it is thoroughly covered. Add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired, to adjust the taste.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over high heat. Add the rice and noodles to the pan, and fry them in the butter. Add approximately 1 1/2 cups of water to the pan and lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan with a tightly-fitting lid, and allow the rice mixture to steam until all the water is absorbed. Season with salt, to taste.
CHICKPEA, QUINOA AND CELERY SALAD WITH MIDDLE EASTERN FLAVORS
It's the sumac (available in Middle Eastern markets) and the herbs - dill, mint, chives - that give this salad its Middle Eastern accents. I love the texture and flavor of the chickpeas, which make for a substantial and comforting dish. It's all you need for lunch and makes a delicious light supper. I love abundant, thinly sliced celery in just about any lemony salad; you will appreciate it for its texture as well as its flavor. Of course, you can use canned chickpeas, but if you have the time, try cooking some dried chickpeas to see how good they taste.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories salads and dressings, main course, side dish
Time 10m
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a salad bowl, combine chickpeas, quinoa, celery, tomatoes, dill, mint, chives, onion and sumac and toss together.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and garlic. Whisk in the olive oil. Pour over the salad and toss well. Sprinkle more sumac on top, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 318, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 490 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams
RAW KALE SALAD WITH AN ASIAN/MIDDLE EASTERN VINAIGRETTE
We received kale in our CSA box the other day and this salad was the result-quickly constructed yesterday to accompany a tofu main dish. I added half raisins and half barberries but you can substitute another dried fruit either alone or in any combination: raisins/golden raisins, dried figs, dried dates, currants, dried cranberries, barberries, dried cherries. Some elements of the dressing were inspired by a recipe found online although I forgot to bookmark where I found it!
Provided by COOKGIRl
Categories Greens
Time 10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place the kale in a non-reactive bowl.
- Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together and pour over the kale.
- Cover and set aside for 1 hour.
- Just before serving, taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasonings if neccessary then stir in the dried fruit and almonds.
- Enjoy!
MIDDLE-EASTERN PITA SALAD
Categories Bread Salad Tomato Vegetarian Quick & Easy Mint Cucumber Bell Pepper Summer Healthy Vegan Gourmet
Yield Serves 2
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a sieve sprinkle the cucumber with a pinch of salt, let it drain for 20 minutes, and pat it dry. While the cucumber is draining, in a baking pan bake the pita pieces in the middle of a preheated 325°F oven, shaking the pan occasionally, for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp, and let them cool slightly.
- In a large bowl whisk together the oil, the lemon juice, the garlic, and the salt and pepper to taste, whisking until the dressing is emulsified, stir in the bell pepper, the tomato, the scallion, the parsley, the chopped mint, the pita pieces, the cucumber, and more salt and pepper to taste, and toss the salad to combine it well. Transfer the salad to a platter and garnish it with the romaine and the mint sprigs.
MIDDLE EASTERN TUNA SALAD
Make and share this Middle Eastern Tuna Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by KelBel
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 10m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk together yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and cumin in a bowl.
- Stir in tuna, chickpeas and parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 242.6, Fat 7.6, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 24.3, Sodium 472.4, Carbohydrate 23.2, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 2.2, Protein 20.9
MIDDLE EASTERN SNAPPER WITH COUSCOUS SALAD
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl. Bring 1 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan; pour over the couscous, cover and let stand until the water is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, grate the zest of 1 lemon, juice 1 1/2 lemons and cut the remaining 1/2 lemon into 4 wedges. Fluff the couscous and add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon juice, bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, shallot and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate while the fish cooks.
- Mix the za'atar, lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub onto the flesh side of the fish. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add 2 fish fillets skin-side down, pressing gently to prevent them from curling. Cook until the edges turn opaque, about 4 minutes. Carefully flip the fish and cook until just opaque throughout, about 2 minutes; remove to plates. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and repeat with the remaining 2 fish fillets.
- Top the fish with parsley and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with the couscous salad and lemon wedges.
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
MIDDLE EASTERN CARROT SALAD
This is a lovely, refreshing salad with lots of coriander. I found it on the internet years ago, but I don't remember where.
Provided by Amanda in Adelaide
Categories Vegetable
Time 10m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 76.2, Fat 4.7, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 77.5, Carbohydrate 8.7, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 4.2, Protein 0.8
MIDDLE EASTERN SALAD
A Chatelaine Food Express Quickies recipe. This could be a side dish salad or a light vegetarian entree. Posted for ZWT6
Provided by Dreamer in Ontario
Categories Lentil
Time 15m
Yield 3 1/2 cups, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Whisk olive oil with red wine vinegar, Dijon and salt.
- Stir in lentils, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, garlic and dill or coriander.
- Serve with feta or goat cheese crumbled over top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.9, Fat 15.5, SaturatedFat 6.7, Cholesterol 33.4, Sodium 746.2, Carbohydrate 35.4, Fiber 12.1, Sugar 7.4, Protein 18.7
Tips:
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen herbs.
- Make sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before using them.
- If you're serving the salad immediately, you can dress it with a simple vinaigrette. If you're making it ahead of time, you can store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Conclusion:
Middle Eastern salads are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of the region. They are typically made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, and can be served as a side dish or main course. With so many different recipes to choose from, you're sure to find one that you'll love. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful dish, give one of these Middle Eastern salads a try.
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