Israeli Salad: A Healthy & Satisfying Side Dish | Camila Made (2024)

Israeli salad is a traditional dish that combines fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese in a simple vinaigrette of olive oil and lemon juice that hits all the right flavor notes of freshness. Because the dish is so simple to prepare, there isn't much prep time required before getting started. This dish can be served as an accompaniment to the main course.

What is Israeli Salad?

Israeli salad, also known as "salat yerakot" or "Arabic salad," is a refreshing and popular Middle Eastern salad known for its simplicity and fresh flavors. It typically consists of finely diced or chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions, often mixed with fresh herbs like parsley and mint. The salad is dressed with a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, allowing the vibrant colors and natural tastes of the vegetables to shine through.

Israeli salad is a staple in Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine, frequently served as a side dish or condiment alongside grilled meats and falafel or as a topping in pita sandwiches, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to meals. Its light and healthful qualities make it a popular choice for those seeking a fresh and wholesome accompaniment to their dishes.

Israeli SaladIngredients

Note:The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.

• English cucumbers: The cucumbers add a refreshing and crisp texture to the salad, and their mild flavor complements the other ingredients.
• Vine or grape tomatoes: The tomatoes add a sweet and juicy flavor to the salad, and their bright red color provides visual appeal.
• Scallions: The scallions add a mild onion flavor and a subtle crunch to the salad.
• Red onion: The red onion provides a slightly more intense flavor and a contrasting color to the salad.
• Italian parsley: The parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salad, and its bright green color provides visual appeal.
• Cilantro: The cilantro adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the salad and pairs well with the other herbs in the recipe.
• Fresh mint: The mint adds a cooling and refreshing flavor to the salad and contrasts the other herbs in the recipe.
• Dried oregano: The oregano adds a slightly earthy and aromatic flavor to the salad.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: The olive oil provides a rich and fruity flavor to the salad and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Lemon juice and zest: The lemon juice adds a tangy and acidic flavor to the salad and help brighten up the other flavors.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: The salt and pepper season the salad and enhance the other flavors.
• Feta cheese: The feta cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor to the salad, and its creamy texture helps balance the crunchy vegetables.
• Cranberries (optional): The cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor to the salad, providing a pop of color and texture.

• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl

How to Make Israeli Salad

Note:The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.

Combine all ingredients except the feta cheese; toss well. Add the feta and gently mix to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if needed.

Substitutions

• English cucumbers: You can use regular cucumbers instead if you can't find English cucumbers. Just be sure to peel them first and remove the seeds.
• Vine or grape tomatoes: If you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes that have been drained. Alternatively, you can use cherry tomatoes or any other type of tomato.
• Scallions: You can use regular onions if you don't have scallions. Just be sure to dice them finely.
• Red onion: If you prefer a milder flavor, use a sweet or shallot instead of red onion.
• Italian parsley: You can use curly or other fresh herbs such as basil or thyme if you don't have Italian parsley.
• Cilantro: If you don't like cilantro, you can omit it from the recipe or use another fresh herb, such as parsley or basil.
• Fresh mint: If you don't have fresh mint, omit it from the recipe or use another fresh herb such as basil or thyme.
• Feta cheese: If you don't like feta cheese, you can use another type of crumbled cheese, such as goat or blue cheese.
• Cranberries: If you don't have cranberries, you can omit them from the recipe or use another type of dried fruit, such as raisins or chopped apricots.

Variations

• Add chopped bell peppers: Add some diced bell peppers to the salad for a colorful and crunchy addition.
• Use different herbs: Instead of parsley, cilantro, and mint, try using other fresh herbs such as basil, dill, or thyme.
• Add chickpeas or beans: For a protein boost, add some cooked chickpeas, black beans, or cannellini beans to the salad.
• Add roasted vegetables: To add more depth of flavor, roast some eggplant, zucchini, or red peppers and toss them into the salad.
• Use a different dressing: Instead of the lemon and olive oil dressing, try a tahini-based dressing, a yogurt-based dressing, or a vinaigrette made with balsamic or red wine vinegar.
• Make it spicy: Add some chopped jalapeno or serrano peppers to the salad if you like a bit of heat.
• Make it fruitier: Add fresh or dried fruit, such as pomegranate seeds, diced mango, or sliced grapes, for a sweet and juicy twist.

How to Serve

Israeli Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or tofu as a side dish. You can also do it with pita bread or crackers as an appetizer or snack. Add some cooked grains such as quinoa or bulgur wheat, or serve it alongside a hearty soup or stew to make it a more substantial meal. Israeli Salad can also be a great addition to a potluck or picnic, as it can be easily transported.

To make it look even more appetizing, sprinkle some additional herbs or crumbled cheese before serving. Whatever you choose, Israeli Salad will surely be a refreshing and healthy addition to your meal.

How to Store

Israeli Salad is best served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separately and add it before serving to prevent the vegetables from getting soggy.

Make-Ahead

Israeli Salad can be made and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. However, to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp, it's best to store the dressing separately and add it before serving. To make the Salad ahead of time, prepare the vegetables and herbs as directed in the recipe, but don't add the dressing or feta cheese yet. Instead, store the vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When you're ready to serve, whisk together the dressing and pour it over the vegetables, then add the crumbled feta cheese and toss gently to combine.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed, and transfer to a serving platter. If you're making the Salad for a potluck or picnic, you can transport it in a sealed container with the dressing and cheese stored separately. Then, when you arrive at your destination, toss the Salad with the dressing and cheese just before serving.

Tips for Making The BestIsraeli Salad

• Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Israeli Salad relies on fresh and flavorful vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Choose the best quality ingredients to ensure the best taste and texture.
• Cut the vegetables into small, uniform pieces: Cut the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into small, uniform pieces to ensure even flavor distribution and a consistent texture throughout the Salad.
• Seed the cucumbers: To prevent the Salad from getting watery, remove the seeds from the cucumbers before dicing them.
• Season the Salad to taste: Taste the Salad as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and herbs.
• Add the dressing just before serving: To keep the vegetables fresh and crisp, add the dressing just before serving. If you're making the Salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
• Let the Salad sit for a few minutes before serving: After you've added the dressing, let the Salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Customize the recipe to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create a salad that suits your taste preferences.

FAQ

Is Israeli Salad vegan-friendly?

Israeli Salad is vegan-friendly if you omit the feta cheese.

Can I use a different type of cheese in Israeli Salad?

You can use another kind of cheese in Israeli Salad if you don't like feta. Good substitutes are goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar cheese.

What are some other ways to serve Israeli Salad?

Israeli Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or tofu or as a topping for a warm dish such as chicken or fish. You can also serve it with pita bread or crackers as an appetizer or snack.

My salad is too watery. What should I do?

If your salad is too watery, it could be due to the cucumbers releasing moisture. To prevent this, try salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Afterward, pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing them in.

My salad tastes bland. How can I enhance the flavor?

To enhance your salad's flavor, add more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or lemon juice. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. You can also increase the amount of fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, parsley) for freshness.

The salad turned out too dry. How can I fix it?

If your salad is too dry, you can drizzle a bit more extra-virgin olive oil over the salad and gently toss it to distribute the oil evenly. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice to moisten it up.

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Recipe