Jerusalem Salad Recipe (Simple Israeli Salad)

Discover how to make a refreshing Jerusalem Salad with our simple recipe. This cucumber tomato onion salad is the perfect complement to any meal, offering a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite. Ideal for those looking for healthy, quick, and flavorful options. Join us in celebrating fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.

Grant and I had the privilege of embarking on a pilgrimage to Israel with my mom and her friend shortly after we got engaged. It was a journey that touched our hearts deeply, not just spiritually, but also through the simple pleasures of dining. Among the many culinary delights we experienced, one dish was a constant companion - a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad. It graced our breakfast table alongside omelets, was a refreshing addition to falafel pita sandwiches at lunch, and a staple of the dinner buffet. Needless to say, I found myself completely enamored with this humble yet flavorful delicious salad.

This salad, while straightforward in its ingredients, boasts a rich tapestry of variations across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. In Israel, it goes by salat katzutz, translating to "chopped salad". Its Persian counterpart is known as shirazi salad, and in Turkey, it's referred to as coban salatsi. Each version brings its own local flavors and traditions to the table, making it a fascinating study in how a simple combination of ingredients can be so versatile and beloved across different cultures.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Chef’s Tips
• Variations
• What to Serve with Jerusalem Salad
• Storage Instructions
• Jerusalem Salad Recipe (Simple Israeli Salad)

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Healthy: This salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients, bringing together ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and flat leaf parsley. It's a dish that not only tastes refreshing but also contributes to a balanced diet.
• Quick and Easy: Simplicity is the heart of this salad. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delightful simple salad ready to serve. 
• Versatile: The Jerusalem Salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a light and refreshing side dish, a salad to complement your main course, or even as a garnish to add a splash of color and flavor to your dishes.

Ingredients

• Ripe Tomatoes: The backbone of the salad, ripe tomatoes add juiciness and a subtle sweetness that balances the other flavors. They bring a vibrant color and are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate.
• Persian Cucumbers: Known for their crisp texture and mild flavor, add a refreshing crunch to the salad. Their smaller size and thinner skin make them ideal for a fine dice, blending seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Red Onion: The sharpness and slight bite of red onion add depth and a hint of pungency, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumbers. 
• Fresh Parsley: More than just a garnish, fresh parsley brings a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that elevates the salad. It's rich in vitamins A, C, and K, adding not just flavor but nutritional value as well.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as the base for the dressing, providing heart-healthy fats and a smooth, rich texture that coats the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors.
• Lemon Juice: The acidity of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, adding a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness of the olive oil and highlights the salad's crisp ingredients.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the lemon's acidity with its natural sweetness, adding a subtle complexity to the salad's flavor profile.
• Sumac: Optional but recommended, sumac adds a lemony tartness that's not quite like any other. This spice is common in Middle Eastern cuisine and gives the salad an authentic flavor twist.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These seasoning staples enhance the natural flavors of the salad. 

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

• Wash and prep all the salad ingredients - Wash and chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion and parsley.

• Make the dressing - In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and sumac. Season with salt and pepper.

• Assemble the salad - In a large mixing bowl, toss together all salad ingredients and add the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. 

Chef’s Tips

• Use Ripe Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes can make or break this salad. Choose tomatoes that are rich in color and slightly soft to the touch, indicating ripeness and sweetness. Ripe tomatoes will provide the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
• Dry Parsley Is Key: Before chopping your fresh parsley, ensure it's completely dry. Wet parsley can clump together and affect the salad's texture. Dry parsley will chop more evenly, distributing its fresh, herbal flavor throughout the salad more effectively.
• Room Temperature Serving: To fully appreciate the flavors of this salad, serve it at room temperature. Chilling can change the flavors of the fresh ingredients and dressing. 

Variations

Customizing your Jerusalem Salad is a fantastic way to adapt it to your taste or to what you have on hand. Here are some variations to inspire your creativity:

• Add More Veggies: Add bell pepper for an added crunch and a pop of color. 
• Incorporate More Fresh Herbs: Beyond parsley, consider adding fresh coriander (cilantro) or mint. These herbs will lend a refreshing and complex flavor profile to your salad.
• Protein Boost: For a heartier salad, add chick peas or crumbled feta cheese. 
• Include Grains: Make your salad more substantial by including grains like couscous, bulgar wheat, barley, or rice. These grains will absorb the dressing and flavors, making the salad more filling.
• Leafy Greens Addition: For extra nutrients and variety, mix in some leafy greens. They will add volume and a different texture to your salad.
• Experiment with Dressing: While the classic olive oil and lemon juice dressing is delightful, trying a tahini dressing can offer a creamy, nutty alternative that pairs wonderfully with the salad's flavors.

What to Serve with Jerusalem Salad

This Jerusalem Salad is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect complement to a wide array of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Whether served as a refreshing salad, a side dish, or a flavorful garnish, here are some ideas on what to pair it with:

• Falafel: The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness of falafel, making them a match made in culinary heaven.
• Chicken: Whether it's roast chicken, grilled chicken, or chicken shawarma, the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the poultry.
• Lamb: Enhance the taste of roast lamb, gyros, or koftas with the crisp, fresh flavors of the salad.
• Beef: Pair it with beef souvlaki, kebabs, or meatballs for a meal that's both satisfying and balanced.
• Fish: Grilled fish or salmon alongside this salad makes for a light, nutritious, and flavorful meal.
• Eggs: Incorporate it into breakfast or brunch with omelet or scrambled eggs for a fresh start to the day.
• Rice and Grain Bowls: Add a scoop of Jerusalem Salad to your bowls for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Mediterranean Appetizers: Serve it as part of a Mediterranean appetizer spread with pita bread, hummus, and other dips to delight your guests.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your cucumber tomato salad. Here are some tips to ensure your salad stays as delicious as when first made:

In the Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Before serving again, it's a good idea to strain any excess juices that have accumulated to keep the salad from becoming soggy.

Not Freezer-Friendly: Due to the high water content of the vegetables, this salad is not suitable for freezing. 

Make Ahead Tips: For convenience, you can prep parts of the salad ahead of time. Chop the cucumber, onion, and parsley and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare the dressing and keep it in a separate container. When you're ready to serve, simply chop the tomatoes and toss all the salad ingredients together with the dressing. This method ensures that each component retains its freshness and crunch.

Try making this Jerusalem Salad for a quick, healthy, and versatile option that pairs well with almost any meal. It's an easy way to bring a bit of Mediterranean flair to your table. Let us know how it turns out and if you discover any new variations, by dropping a comment below. 

Happy chopping!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.