An all-star Mediterranean salad recipe! A quick, refreshing, and delicious salad with fresh parsley and a light lemony dressing!
This simple Mediterranean salad, we call Salata, is a staple of the Eastern Mediterranean kitchen. It is as traditional as they come–so representative of the regions agricultural roots. And it is the one from which other Mediterranean salads like, fattoush; tabouli; or this Israeli couscous salad, derive inspiration.
There are only three main ingredients to this Mediterranean salad: tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh parsley. The dressing is a simple drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. For seasoning, a simple dash of salt and black pepper is all you need; but I really like the addition of sumac spice for a little more depth.
Two quick tips for best results: Use ripe, but firm tomatoes. And, if possible, opt for English cucumbers, also known as hothouse cucumbers; they are the longer cukes that you see in the grocery store wrapped tightly in plastic. English cucumbers are slightly sweeter, have thinner skin, and contain smaller, less noticeable seeds.
Variations of this salad may also include chopped red onions and a cup of cooked chickpeas.
Watch how I make this Mediterranean Salad Recipe
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3-Ingredient Mediterranean Salad
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: serves 4 to 6 people 1x
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Pin RecipeDescription
Easy all-star Mediterranean salad with three star ingredients. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley. A sprinkle of all-natural sumac spice, a little citrus, and Early Harvest extra virgin olive oil finish it off.
Ingredients
- 6 Roma tomatoes, diced (about 3 cups diced tomatoes)
- 1 Large English cucumber (or hot-house cucumber), diced
- 1/2 to 3/4 packed cup/ 15 to 20 g chopped fresh parsley leaves
- salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground Sumac
- 2 tbsp Early Harvest extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Place the diced tomatoes, cucumbers and parsley in a large salad bowl. Add salt and set aside for 4 minutes or so.
- Add the remaining ingredients and give the salad a gentle toss. Allow the flavors a few minutes to meld before serving. Enjoy!
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean salad recipe, tomatoes and cucumber, middle eastern salad
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I make this salad several times a month, it is tasty
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Awesome, Sheila! So glad you like it
I’ve been making this recipe week after week; so good. Have also added celery and green peppers which are even better but the green pepper gets a little wimpy after the first day which doesn’t happen to the tomatoes and cucumbers. Cuke now in fridge, tomatoes ripening on top of fridge. And we have new parsley plants in the ground so the next batch will be even better than those made with last year’s parsley which had gotten a little bitter. Can’t wait to make.!
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So glad to hear it, Pat! Thanks so much for sharing!
Made this today with the extras, red onion, & garbanzo beans!! So refreshing, so delicious ❤️
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Thanks for sharing your variation, Julie!
This salad was a big hit! It looks so simple, but the Sumac really picked up the flavor. I’ve already made it twice in the last 2 weeks.
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Looks so fresh and delicious! I could eat this every day!
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I love english cukes with tomatoes! Perfect light side dish!
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I love a good, simple salad! This has amazing flavors, and fantastic veggies!
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Simple and refreshing! What a great end of summer salad!
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How much sodium is in this salad? Needing to know for medical reasons. Thank you!
It really depends on how much salt you put in.
I don’t use ground sumac, but I add avocado.and a lot more tomatoes to mine. It’s delicious!
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Thanks for sharing your version, Linda! Sounds good!
Made this twice before. Everyone enjoyed the rice dish. Tomorrow is my wife’s birthday, I’ll make it together with the salad. God willing.
Thank you kindly.
Thank you, Nizam! Happy birthday to your wife!
Why are there 8 ingredients in “3 Ingredient Salad” LOL
Lol. If we want to get technical, as mentioned in the post, there are really only 3 main ingredients: tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley 🙂
Loved it! Good recipe to use tomatoes, cucumbers and parsley from my garden.
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Awesome! thanks for sharing!
Love this salad.. added chickpeas for a crunchier salad
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Chickpeas are a great addition! Thanks for sharing Debby!
Would love to try this recipe. I can’t find the sumac spice any where. What can I use as a substitute?
Hi Jackie, we actually sell sumac at our online store: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/product/sumac-spice-3-pack/
There really is no good substitute for sumac, but this salad is forgiving, and you can omit and adjust seasoning to your taste.
I have never liked salads and if I had to eat one it had to have caesar dressing on it. I am honestly surprised that I liked this one as is.
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Made me smile, Kaitlyn! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
when tomato and cucumber hook up, it’s a party in the mouth!
It is yum
Yay! Glad you liked it!
I need to loose weight and eat better. Your good appears to be just the thing I need
Glad to have you here, Suzanne! Enjoy.