Israeli Salad Recipe (2024)

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By Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home • July 9, 2014

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5 from 31 reviews

95 comments

Here’s a simple authentic recipe for Israeli Saladmade with summer tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, fresh herbs, lemon juice and olive oil. Vegan and Gluten-Free! A delicious salad that pairs with many things! With a video.

Israeli Salad Recipe (1)

The days come and go like muffled and veiled figures sent from a distant friendly party,

but they say nothing, and if we do not use the gifts they bring, they carry them as silently away.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Here is the Israeli Salad Recipe I was telling you about last week that pairs so well with Grilled Chicken Shawarma. The salad itself bursts with all the good flavors of summer – fresh veggies and herbs, tossed in a simple lemony dressing. On its own, it is clean, plant-based, healthy and detoxing. I could eat this every single day!

Made with simple fresh ingredients, Israeli salad tastes of fresh summer produce – healthy, vibrant, light! To me, this is like summer in a bowl.

And it pairs well with sooooo many things! A great thing to just have on hand. Spoon it into a toasty pita with a little hummus, and lunch is ready.

Or serve it as a side salad to your favorite Middle Eastern-inspired main. I am excited for you to try this- because I KNOW you are going to love it!

How to Make Israeli Salad! | 30-Second Video

What to serve with Israeli Salad?

  • Chicken Shawarma
  • Lebanese 7-Spice Chicken
  • Sheet-Pan Shawarma with a yummy VEGAN Tofu alternative you might like.
  • Zaatar Meatballs
  • Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Herb Salad and Yogurt Sauce
  • Slow-Roasted Lamb Shawarma
  • Falafels
  • Tahini Sauce
  • Hummus
  • Homemade pita bread
  • Baba Ganoush

Israeli Salad Recipe (2)

Ingredients in Israeli Salad:

  • tomatoes: use vine-ripened summer tomatoes for the BEST flavor.
  • cucumber: English, Turkish or Persian- or any thin-skinned cucumbers work best here!
  • red onion
  • red and yellow bell pepper
  • fresh herbs (Italian parsley, mint or cilantro, or a mix of all three)
  • zest of one lemon (organic if possible)
  • Lemon juice
  • olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

How to make the BEST Israeli Salad (a few tips!)

There are two things that you can do to elevate this salad and really make it come alive!

  1. The first is to use really fresh ripe summer ingredients.Ripe Summer tomatoes truly make all the difference!!!
  2. The second is tocut all the veggies very finely.(Take your time here friends, put on a podcast or music and really just be thoughtful about it. Don’t make this when you are in a hurry, you just won’t enjoy it. Cooking is so much about the process, so try to figure out how to be present and enjoy it!)
  3. USE a goodsharp knife with those tomatoes. So sharpen them up! Or if need be, splurge and buy yourself a good set of chefs knives. You will never regret it- especially if your goal is to eat more veggies.

Israeli Salad Recipe (3)

The easiest way to Dice a Tomato

  1. The secret to finely dicing a tomato is to leave the stem end intact and place it on the cutting board.
  2. Thinly slice one way (don’t cut all the way through), then crosscut the other way – and don’t cut all the way down!
  3. Leave the bottom stem end intact.
  4. Then turn the tomato on its side, and slice downward. Perfect tiny diced tomato!
  5. This technique makes dicing a tomato sooooooooo much easier!

Israeli Salad Recipe (4)

Finely dice the peppers.

Israeli Salad Recipe (5)

Then place all the ingredients in a bowl.

Israeli Salad Recipe (6)

Add the olive oil, lemon and salt and pepper.

Israeli Salad Recipe (7)

Taste and adjust salt and lemon to your liking.

Israeli Salad Recipe (8)

Remember the key to authentic Israeli Salad it keeping it simple and clean, letting the flavors of the ripe summer veggies come through!

Israeli Salad Recipe (9)

Here is the Israeli Salad topped with the Grilled Chicken Shawarma- cool, fresh and crunchy paired with grilled spiced chicken… one of my favorite combos!

More Salad Recipes you may enjoy:

  • Lebanese Slaw
  • Classic Greek Salad
  • Lemony Lebanese Tabouli (Tabbouleh)
  • Tomato Watermelon Salad
  • Antipasto Salad
  • Rainbow Chopped Salad with Herbed Yogurt Dressing
  • 40 Vegan Salads

Have a beautiful, light-filled week.

Sylvia

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Israeli Salad Recipe (10)

Israeli Salad Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home Blog
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: salad, vegan, gluten free,
  • Method: Chopped
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing Middle Eastern chopped salad, called Israeli Salad, that is healthy, vegan and gluten-free. Clean flavors, plant-based, detoxing, and perfect for summer! Best made when tomatoes are in season!

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  1. 2 extra large tomatoes, finely diced
  2. 1 English cucumber, finely diced
  3. 1 cup red onion, finely chopped (1/2 of a medium red onion)
  4. 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  5. 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
  6. 1 cup fresh herbs (Italian parsley, mint or cilantro, or a mix of all three)
  7. zest of one lemon
  8. Lemon juice (start with 1/2 a lemon, add more to taste)
  9. 4 Tablespoons olive oil
  10. Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Chop the first 6 ingredients into a very small fine dice. The smaller, the better. Take your time with this and a sharp knife really makes this easier!
  2. Place in a large bowl and toss with the lemon zest, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
  3. Taste and adjust lemon and salt to your liking.

Notes

Serve with Grilled Chicken Shawarma,or toasted pita bread and hummus.

Israeli Salad will keep 3-4 days in the fridge, but best on day 1-2.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 83
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 11.4 mg
  • Fat: 5.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7.1 g
  • Fiber: 1.6 g
  • Protein: 1.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 7.8 mg

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Comments

  1. This is a great salad and I always get asked for the recipe. It’s good too that it can be made 2 days ahead! Love it!

    Reply

    1. Great to hear Sandi!

      Reply

  2. colorful and refreshing, herbs shine, made this to go with the (Tandori Glory Bowl plus added baked tofu to that) only thing did differently was leave the oil out, and used roasted onion, rather then raw.

    Reply

    1. Sounds perfect Frances! Love it.

      Reply

  3. Love the mint especially but the herb and vegetable ratio were perfect. This was very refreshing. Served with falafel this time. I’ve made it several times.

    Reply

    1. Yum! sounds fabulous Kat!

      Reply

  4. Is a CUP of herbs and spices correct? This seems like too much?

    Reply

    1. Hi Tess, we like to load this up with fresh herbs. Yes it is correct!

      Reply

  5. I love this salad, and I love that the recipe makes so much! Food is my love language, and I am always able to share this when I make it!

    Reply

    1. I love that you share this!

      Reply

  6. Refreshing

    Reply

    1. Great!

      Reply

  7. Oh wow! So healthy and delicate texture and flavors. What a great recipe to use up veggies from the garden. Unfortunately my parsley is all stripped off and I didn’t like mint, so this time used some dill instead (not a cup though – just to taste). I think the dill sets off the flavors with more zing. I serve this with your chicken shwarma and garlic sauce. Fantastic summer meal! Thank you!!

    Reply

    1. Love the dill Robin!

      Reply

  8. PHow long will this stay fresh in the fridg. I’m only making this for 1 person – me. I like to pre prepare my lunches so this would be helpful. Thank you

    Reply

    1. I would say 3-4 days. 🙂

      Reply

  9. I absolutely loved this salad!! Loved the fresh herbs and lemon! I took 2 bites and knew I would be making this regularly. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Glad you enjoyed- I love this one too!

      Reply

  10. I always make this salad, but add a can of chick peas. Sometimes I use parsley or dill.

    Reply

    1. Love it!

      Reply

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Israeli Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the main ingredients of an Israeli Salad? ›

It's basically a simple chopped salad filled with cucumbers (Israeli, if possible), tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, fresh herbs (I like parsley and mint), lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil. You can also gussy yours up with some crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, and chickpeas, if you'd like.

What is the difference between Greek and Israeli Salad? ›

What is the difference between Israeli (Jerusalem) and Greek salad? The main difference between Israeli and Greek salads is their ingredients and dressing. Israeli SaladSalad typically consists of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing.

Why is it called Israeli Salad? ›

It was adopted by Jewish immigrants to the Levant in the late 19th century, who found the locally grown Kirby cucumbers and tomatoes in popular local salad. It was popularized in the kibbutzim, where the Jewish farmers had local fresh produce at hand. The name Israeli Salad is used mainly outside of Israel.

What is the difference between Israeli Salad and Shirazi salad? ›

The two salads are so close the terms Shirazi or Israeli Salad are used interchangeably. In both, the primary ingredients are cucumber, tomato, onion, olive oil and herbs, dressed with verjuice or lime juice. The main difference between Israeli and Shirazi Salad is that Shirazi Salad often uses mint as the herb.

What is the most eaten food in Israel? ›

Falafel is probably the most recognizably Israeli food there is. In almost every town in Israel you can find a choice of shops attracting the hungry with the delicious smell of frying falafels. The Shuk (market) Betzalel area in Tel Aviv, for example, is famous for its excellent falafel.

Do Israelis eat salad for breakfast? ›

Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, radishes, onions and shredded carrots are common, as are olives. A variety of salads are available. Coffee, tea, juices, fresh fruits, bread and pastries complete the menu.

Why is a Greek salad so high in calories? ›

Greek salad: While a Greek salad has a lot of “healthy” ingredients, the additions give it its flavor and appeal. Feta, stuffed grape leaves and olives can add hundreds of extra calories and grams of fat. This salad may start with a 300-calorie base, but just the olive oil in the dressing racks up 200 calories.

Why doesn t Greek salad have lettuce? ›

Please also note that a traditional Greek salad does not include lettuce. It is quite common for Greeks to eat seasonally. A Greek salad is primarily a summer dish, and since lettuce only grows in Greece during the winter months a traditional 'Horiatiki' salad does not include lettuce.

Who invented tabbouleh? ›

The Origin of Tabbouleh

The name tabbouleh comes from the Arabic word 'taabil' which means to season or spice and tabbouleh is thought to have first been eaten in the mountains of Lebanon and Syria more than 4000 years ago.

What does hummus mean in Israel? ›

The term 'hummus' in Arabic translates to 'chickpea,' with 'hummus bi tahini' signifying 'chickpeas with tahini,' thereby showcasing its primary ingredients. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant Jewish immigration to the land of Israel, then known as Palestine.

What is a common Israeli breakfast? ›

Israeli breakfast menu
  • Kubaneh challah served with spicy tomato sauce.
  • Eajeh/arouq herb omelette.
  • Avocado salad.
  • Labneh and watercress tzatziki.
  • Tahini dip.
  • Fried eggplant in lemon and mint.
  • Chopped vegetable salad.
  • Cold brew coffee with cardamom.

Why do Israelis eat falafel? ›

As it is plant-based, Jewish dietary laws classify it as pareve and thus allow it to be eaten with both meat and dairy meals. Falafel features prominently in Israeli cuisine and has been called a national dish.

What is Jerusalem salad made of? ›

Jerusalem salad (Israeli salad) is an easy Middle Eastern salad recipe made from cucumber, tomato, red onion and fresh herbs. Perfect side dish for filling pita sandwiches, mixing into bowls or with falafels. I love the simplicity of this middle eastern salad.

What is the Bella Hadid salad? ›

How to Make Bella Hadid's Favorite Salad. This recipe is super simple. Grab a large bowl (then put it back and get one that's bigger) and throw in some baby arugula, sliced mini cucumber rounds, thinly sliced red bell pepper, some roughly chopped chunks from a wedge of Parm, and a sliced avocado.

Why is it called Russian salad? ›

Russian salad was originally called Oliver salad based on the Moscow-based Belgian chef who invented it. During the 20th century, the dish spread throughout Europe and adopted the name Russian salad.

What are the traditional ingredients in Israel? ›

Israeli Jews revolved around seven main foods: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Mediterranean influence has brought tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, and chickpeas to the table.

What does Israeli food consist of? ›

Geography has a large influence on Israeli cuisine, and foods common in the Mediterranean region, such as olives, wheat, chickpeas, dairy products, fish, and vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, and zucchini are prominent in Israeli cuisine.

What is the most popular salad ingredients? ›

A typical salad starts with raw greens, such as lettuce, spinach, kale, mixed greens or arugula. However, you can also add several other raw vegetables. Some popular raw veggie toppings include chopped carrots, onions, cucumbers, celery, mushrooms and broccoli.

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