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
3-Ingredient Mediterranean Salad
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Prep Time: 10 mins - Total Time: 10 mins
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Yield: serves 4 to 6 people
Print Recipe
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!
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, tomato salad, cucumber tomato salad, tomato cucumber salad, middle eastern salad, Mediterranean salad recipe
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Eleanor says
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.
★★★★★
Lindsay Cotter says
Looks so fresh and delicious! I could eat this every day!
★★★★★
Jennifer Blake says
I love english cukes with tomatoes! Perfect light side dish!
★★★★★
Katie says
I love a good, simple salad! This has amazing flavors, and fantastic veggies!
★★★★★
Liz says
Simple and refreshing! What a great end of summer salad!
★★★★★
Jen says
How much sodium is in this salad? Needing to know for medical reasons. Thank you!
Suzy Karadsheh says
It really depends on how much salt you put in.
Linda Swoveland says
I don’t use ground sumac, but I add avocado.and a lot more tomatoes to mine. It’s delicious!
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Thanks for sharing your version, Linda! Sounds good!
Nizam says
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.
Suzy Karadsheh says
Thank you, Nizam! Happy birthday to your wife!
Mike G says
Why are there 8 ingredients in “3 Ingredient Salad” LOL
Suzy Karadsheh says
Lol. If we want to get technical, as mentioned in the post, there are really only 3 main ingredients: tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley 🙂
Sandr Hardy says
Loved it! Good recipe to use tomatoes, cucumbers and parsley from my garden.
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Awesome! thanks for sharing!
Debby says
Love this salad.. added chickpeas for a crunchier salad
★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Chickpeas are a great addition! Thanks for sharing Debby!
Jackie says
Would love to try this recipe. I can’t find the sumac spice any where. What can I use as a substitute?
Suzy Karadsheh says
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.
Kaitlyn Quintero says
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.
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Made me smile, Kaitlyn! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Hollis Evon Ramsey says
when tomato and cucumber hook up, it’s a party in the mouth!
Sandra says
It is yum
Suzy Karadsheh says
Yay! Glad you liked it!
Suzanne HUGHES says
I need to loose weight and eat better. Your good appears to be just the thing I need
Suzy Karadsheh says
Glad to have you here, Suzanne! Enjoy.
Diana says
Trying to eat more healthy with the Mediterranean Diet. This is an easy recipe and I love all the ingredients. Thank you!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Awesome, Diana! Thank you so much for stopping in.
Megan says
Such an easy recipe, but it was great!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Awesome! That’s what I like to hear!
Anika says
Worked great for a family dinner along with a meat platter and cous cous! Thanks?
Suzy Karadsheh says
Glad to hear it, Anika!!
Lisa A Fetter says
I need some good home made salads for work.
Suzy Karadsheh says
Hope this is it!
chuck.smith08 says
I love you web site. My wife and I just returned from Israel/Palestine in January from a “Holy Land” tour. We fell in love with the Mediterranean foods. I have tried several recipes from your site, and they always make me look like a Super Husband Chef. 🙂 which I am not.
This 3 Ingredient salad was a staple of almost every meal on our trip and finding this recipe was like seeing an old friend again. It was a success along with the Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Vegetables.
Thanks again.
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Chuck, thank you so very much for sharing! Ah…I can’t wait to visit the Holy Land! And so glad to hear you’re enjoying the blog!
Sandra says
I love love your web site. I started eating Mediterranean and feel wonderful. I’m losing weight too. I didn’t know that eating healthy was so easy and with lots of flavor. So thank you
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Sandra, I am so so glad to hear this! Thank you so much for sharing!
Leida says
Book Book yes
Suzy Karadsheh says
Soon, I hope, Leida. Thank you very much!
Marilyn says
I am trying to totally switch to a Mediterranean diet and I love your recipes. I spent two hours at Barnes &
Nobles and never found a recipe book I liked. Did you have yours published? I love the sound of your salads and chicken recipes. Let me know, if you have time.
Warmest regards, Marilyn
Suzy Karadsheh says
Marilyn, thank you so much for your the kind comment. I don’t have a book published yet, but I hope it won’t be too long. In the meantime, I hope you’ll stick around here 🙂
Lizzie says
Ooh, our standard salad has become cherry tomatoes and cucumber as my 3 yo likes them, I’ll have to try your finishing touches ?
Bridget says
Hi Suzy, recently found your website and love all of your recipes that I have tried so far (which is a lot!). I live in Ireland and we don’t get a lot of sunshine but your recipes bring the sunshine to me!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Bridget, thank you! That is such a kind thing to say. I am honored that you enjoy my recipes…and so glad they bring a little sunshine. Enjoy!
Mette says
I made this last night, and not only was it a huge success with my family (which includes picky eaters), but it was so divine that if I closed my eyes I could imagine myself sitting outside in Provence, eating this dish while enjoying some rosé wine. Question though: do you have the nutritional values?
Suzy Karadsheh says
Aww, Mette! So glad you enjoyed this salad! I love that it took you to Provence…virtually 🙂 Sorry, i don’t have capability to add nutritional value info at this point.
Tim says
The nutritional value for this is 100% all good!!! 🙂
Suzy Karadsheh says
Totally, Tim! Thank you for stopping in!
Suzy Karadsheh says
You know it! Thanks for stopping in, Tim!
April says
This is awesome!!! I also added 1/3 cup hummus on top for some protein!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Great idea! Thanks for sharing, April!
Lynn says
LOVE this recipe. The presentation on my dinner table received pools and Saabs. Thank you for another winner.
★★★★★
Lynn says
That was ooohs and aaahs.sorry for the typo
Suzy Karadsheh says
haha! Thank you so much, Lynn! Glad ya’ll enjoyed it!
Bonnie says
….I like the “pools” and “Saab’s “…:made me giggle. My spellcheck does some really odd/funny/embarrassing things also!
I like the sound of this recipe as well. But I am curious about the flavor of sumac….I would hate to ruin the delicate flavors of the tomatoes and the cukes.
Suzy Karadsheh says
Bonnie, thanks for stopping in. Sumac’s subtle tangy flavor really compliments this recipe. It’s an ingredient often used in Eastern Mediterranean salads. Here is more about sumac, if you’re interested: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/product/sumac-spice-3-pack/
Dorothy says
so glad I found you Love your simple recipes at 75 I really appreciate the simple ones Thanks looks so yummy
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
Hi Dorothy! Welcome to The Mediterranean Dish. I am so glad you found us too! And glad you’re enjoying the recipes!
Beth @ Binky's Culinary Carnival says
I have never used sumac before. I would love to try it! This salad is gorgeous and simple!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Yes, so simple! Thanks,Beth!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
I love the Mediterranean cuisine and their use of olive oil and healthy and fresh ingredients. This salad recipe is great, Suzy!
Suzy Karadsheh says
Awesome Agness! Glad you stopped in!
Mary says
I love simple salads like this! Tomatoes and cucumbers are such a classic pairing in salads in so many cultures! Sometimes simple is the way to go!
★★★★★
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com says
This looks so light and refreshing! I love simple salads that are easy to make but also wonderfully flavorful.
pretty says
Love this simple salad recipe, I am a big fan of Mediterranean food so will give this one a go. It looks so fresh, I can almost taste it!
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
It is super fresh! And easy! Enjoy!
Luci's Morsels says
This looks delicious, healthy, and simple! I am saving this one. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Suzy Karadsheh says
YES! All the above! Thanks for stopping in, Luci!