Lebanese Village Salad Recipe – Lebanese Special
The Lebanese Village Salad, also known as Salata Baladi, is a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean dish that captures the essence of Lebanese cuisine. This simple, yet flavorful salad combines crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a tangy dressing, making it a perfect side dish or a light, refreshing meal on its own. It’s a staple in Lebanese households and is often served with flatbread and hummus or other mezze. With its combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty dressing, the Lebanese Village Salad is a refreshing taste of Lebanon in every bite
- Prep Time15 min
- Total Time15 min
For the Salad:
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (optional, but adds a nice tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sumac (optional, adds a lemony tartness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large salad bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper (if using).
Add the chopped parsley and mint leaves to the bowl for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, ground sumac, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon or salt as needed to suit your preference.
Assemble the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese (if using) and toss lightly again.
Serve:
Serve immediately as a fresh side dish, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors marinate.
Pair with warm pita bread or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing salad.
Recipe Notes :
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs like dill or basil to add a unique twist to the salad.
Pomegranate Molasses Substitute: If pomegranate molasses isn’t available, a mix of honey and extra lemon juice can replicate its sweet-tart flavor.
Olive Options: While Kalamata olives are traditional, any brined olives can be used to suit your taste.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor, but it’s optional for those who prefer a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions: For an enhanced flavor profile, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate.
