I’m so excited to share my favorite recipe for Arabic salad with you! This dish is not just a delightful explosion of colors and flavors; it’s also a staple in my home, often making its appearance during family gatherings and casual dinners alike. I remember my mom taught me to make this salad during lazy Sunday afternoons, and now I’ve come to appreciate how simple yet elegant it is.
What I love most about Arabic salad—also known as “Fattoush” in some circles—is its freshness. The vibrant mix of herbs, veggies, and tangy dressing brings life into any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it solo with warm pita bread, it’s a dish that truly celebrates the bounty of the garden.
What’s in Arabic Salad?
Let’s break down the ingredients that come together in this magnificent salad:
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers add a hydrating crunch. I usually opt for the English variety since they have fewer seeds and a delicate flavor.
Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, they offer sweetness and moisture. I prefer using ripe vine tomatoes for their rich taste, but any fresh variety will do.
Radishes: These little gems bring a zesty kick and a nice crunch. They’re often underrated but add a fabulous depth of flavor.
Bell Peppers: I like to use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness. The peppers provide a lovely crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced, red onions add a nice bite to the salad. If you’re sensitive to their sharpness, soaking them in cold water for a few minutes can take the edge off.
Parsley and Mint: Fresh herbs are the stars of this salad! They contribute aroma and flavor. Make sure to chop them finely so they distribute evenly.
Pita Bread: Toasted or crispy pita chips add a delightful crunch. I enjoy lightly toasting them in the oven for that perfect crispiness.
Dressing: A mix of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and sumac (if you have it) brings all the flavors together, creating a tangy and flavorful union.
Is Arabic Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! Arabic salad is not only delicious but also loaded with health benefits:
Cucumbers: These are hydrating and low in calories, making them perfect for weight management.
Tomatoes: Bursting with antioxidants, including lycopene, tomatoes are great for skin health and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Radishes: These crunchy veggies are high in fiber and can aid digestion while providing a good dose of vitamin C.
Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C, bell peppers support immune function and skin health.
Parsley and Mint: Both herbs are high in antioxidants, support digestion, and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
The only consideration is to watch the amount of olive oil in the dressing if you’re keeping an eye on calories. But hey, it’s all about balance, right?
Ingredients for Arabic Salad
– 1 large cucumber, diced
– 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
– 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
– 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in cold water)
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– ½ cup fresh mint, chopped
– 1-2 pita bread rounds, toasted and broken into pieces
– ¼ cup olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sumac (optional)
This recipe serves about 4-6 people.
How to Make Arabic Salad?
1. Start by preparing all your veggies. Dice the cucumber, chop the tomatoes, slice the radishes, and bell pepper, and thinly slice the onion soaking it in cold water for a few minutes if desired.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, radishes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and sumac if you’re using it. This will be your dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently together to coat.
5. Just before serving, add the toasted pita bread and give it another light toss so it doesn’t get too soggy.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors!
Crunch Time – Extra Tips for Your Arabic Salad
– Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Carrots or cherry tomatoes can be lovely alternatives!
– For an added protein kick, some grilled chicken or chickpeas would make this salad a meal on its own.
– Don’t skip on the herbs! They’re key to elevating this dish from good to utterly irresistible.
– Make it ahead of time—just keep the pita bread separate until you’re ready to serve so it stays crispy.
I hope you give this Arabic salad a try! It’s such a versatile and colorful dish that brings joy to every occasion. Let me know how it turns out for you; I’d love to hear about your experience cooking this vibrant salad! Happy cooking!
