Lebanese Tomato Salad

### Instructions for Making Lebanese Tomato Salad

Making Lebanese Tomato Salad is quick and easy, and it’s perfect for a light meal or side dish. Here’s how to prepare it:

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
1. **Dice the Tomatoes**: Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Cut them into small cubes, discarding the seeds if desired for a less watery salad. Arrange the diced tomatoes in a large salad bowl.

2. **Prepare the Cucumber**: Peel the cucumber (if you prefer) and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon if the cucumber is large and watery, then slice the cucumber into half-moons and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.

3. **Slice the Onion**: If you’re using red onion, thinly slice it and add it to the bowl. The onion adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the tomatoes and cucumber.

4. **Chop the Herbs**: Finely chop the fresh parsley and mint. The mint is optional, but it adds a refreshing touch that’s characteristic of Lebanese salads. Add the chopped herbs to the bowl.

#### **Step 2: Make the Dressing**
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the **extra virgin olive oil**, **lemon juice**, **red wine vinegar** (if using), and **sumac**. Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice that’s commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, adding a distinctive flavor that makes this salad stand out.

2. Season the dressing with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. You can adjust the acidity and saltiness depending on your preferences.

#### **Step 3: Toss and Serve**
1. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.

2. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

3. Let the salad sit for about **10-15 minutes** before serving to allow the flavors to marinate and develop.

4. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish to your meal!

### Tips for the Best Lebanese Tomato Salad

– **Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes**: The flavor of this salad really depends on the quality of the tomatoes. Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find—vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes are excellent choices.
– **Balance the Flavors**: If you find the salad too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance it out. Likewise, adjust the lemon juice and vinegar to your taste.
– **Customize with Extra Veggies**: While this recipe sticks to the classic ingredients, you can easily add more vegetables like **bell peppers**, **olives**, or **radishes** for extra texture and flavor.
– **Make Ahead**: This salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best when served fresh. If making it in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the vegetables from getting too soggy.
– **Vegan-Friendly**: This salad is naturally vegan, but if you want to add some protein, you could toss in **chickpeas** or serve it alongside grilled chicken or lamb.

### Why You’ll Love Lebanese Tomato Salad

1. **Refreshing and Light**: This salad is perfect for hot summer days when you want something light but flavorful to accompany your main course.
2. **Bursting with Flavor**: The combination of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and tangy dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors that will make you crave more.
3. **Perfect Pairing**: Lebanese Tomato Salad pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean dishes like **hummus**, **grilled meats**, **falafel**, or **shish tawook**. It also works well with anything from pasta to seafood.
4. **Nutritious and Wholesome**: Full of fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy fats from the olive oil, this salad is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

### Conclusion

**Lebanese Tomato Salad** is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. With its fresh vegetables, bright flavors, and aromatic herbs, it’s an easy way to add a burst of freshness to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, enjoying it with grilled meats, or simply craving a light snack, this salad is sure to satisfy. So, grab some fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, whip up the dressing, and enjoy a delicious and refreshing Lebanese Tomato Salad that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean!