Israeli Salad Not Your Typical Cucumber Salad
A Southern Classic with a Global Twist
For all of us Southerners, cucumber salad has been around for a long time. Typically, it’s sweet and tangy, the kind of salad we enjoy with fried chicken or a backyard BBQ. But did you know that cucumber salads are eaten all around the world? That’s how I stumbled upon Israeli salad, a crisp, refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs, while searching for a recipe for shakshuka (a dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce). Naturally, I had to make it a regular part of my meals. Yes, this Southern lady loves all types of food, as long as it’s cooked. No raw meat dishes for me! (And yes, my sushi is not raw… don’t judge me, haha!)
What’s in a Name?
Although this salad is called Israeli Salad, it’s known by many other names around the world. In the Levant, variations like Salata Baladi in Lebanon and Syria or Arabian Salad in Jordan feature slightly different ingredients. Some versions include fresh mint or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for added depth. In Turkey, you might find spices like sumac, while Egyptian versions sometimes incorporate tahini for creaminess. No matter the name or twist, the combination of crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and zesty onions makes this dish a global favorite.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for a Fresh, Flavorful Salad
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this salad a hit, with tips on the best varieties and substitutions for each.
Choosing the Right Cucumber
You can use regular cucumbers, but they tend to get soggy, and I’m not a fan of that texture. For salads like this, here are a few cucumber options that work well:
- • English Cucumbers: These are my go-to for their firmer texture and longer shelf life. They stay fresh longer and hold up well in salads.
- • Persian Cucumbers: Traditionally used in salads, Persian cucumbers are crisp and have smaller seeds. They’re a fantastic option if you can find them locally, but many grocers may not carry them regularly.
- • Kirby Cucumbers: These smaller, bumpy cucumbers are often used for pickling, but they work great in salads too. They’re crisp, juicy, and have a slightly tangy flavor.
- • Mini Cucumbers: Mini cucumbers are a great option if you prefer a bite-sized crunch. They’re essentially small versions of English cucumbers and perfect for snacking or adding to salads without much cutting.
- • Seedless Cucumbers: If you prefer no seeds, seedless varieties work great. Simply scoop out the seeds if you’re working with a regular cucumber, or buy seedless cucumbers for less prep.
I usually dice my cucumbers whole; skin, seeds, and all, but feel free to scoop out the seeds or peel them if that’s your preference. Choose the type that works best for your taste and texture!
The Perfect Tomato and Onion Combo
Red onions are a must for this salad because they add a slight bite and stay crisp. As for tomatoes, I recommend using Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for their low pulp content, which keeps the salad fresh and crisp. If you’re using larger tomatoes, make sure to deseed them to avoid a watery salad. For a rustic style, cut cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes in half instead of dicing them. Also, cut the cucumbers larger for a hearty, satisfying salad.
Adding Freshness with Herbs
Fresh parsley adds color and a wonderful herbaceous flavor to this salad. If you don’t like fresh parsley, dried will work as well. Sometimes I like the dried over the fresh, plus it is always on hand in the cupboards. If you want to experiment, a bit of fresh mint can take it to the next level, adding a cool, refreshing note.
Versatility Beyond Sandwiches
This Israeli salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways:
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Refreshing Breakfast Side: Add a little veggie freshness to your morning by pairing this salad with eggs or avocado toast.
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Side Dish for Any Meal: It’s a perfect complement to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even fish.
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Healthy Snack: Grab a bowl in the afternoon for a light, guilt-free snack.
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Topping for Bowls: Add it to rice bowls, quinoa bowls, or even a Mediterranean platter.
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Picnic Favorite: Pack it up for your next picnic or potluck—it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Although this salad is lightly dressed, I love adding a drizzle of garlic sauce on top for an extra burst of flavor. You’ll find it hard to stop eating—luckily, it’s light and healthy!
Israeli Salad
Ingredients
- 3-4 Roma tomatoes seeded and finely diced (or 2 cups cherry tomatoes, finely diced)
- 1 large cucumber finely diced (Persian or English cucumber preferred)
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp ground sumac optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint (if using).
- Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with ground sumac (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
- Freshness is key: This salad shines with fresh ingredients, so try to use the ripest tomatoes and crunchiest cucumber you can find.
- Customize the herbs: Feel free to swap in cilantro or dill if you’re not a fan of mint or parsley. A little extra lemon juice can also brighten things up!
- Sumac: If you haven’t used sumac before, it adds a tangy, lemony flavor. If you can't find it, a little extra lemon zest can work as a substitute.
- Make ahead: This salad tastes even better after it sits for a little while, so it's perfect for prepping in advance. Just remember to give it a quick toss before serving!
Simple Tips for Storing and Serving
To keep your Israeli salad fresh longer, wash and dry your veggies thoroughly before chopping. Store the undressed salad in the fridge with a paper towel underneath to absorb any excess moisture. Add the dressing just before serving to maintain that crisp texture.
Enjoy and Serve!
Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side, topping it on a sandwich, like a gyro or eating it straight out of the bowl, this Israeli salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any time of day!
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Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!