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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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
Other Recipes to Try:
How to Make Traditional Creamy Hummus
Trying to eat more healthy with the Mediterranean Diet. This is an easy recipe and I love all the ingredients. Thank you!
Awesome, Diana! Thank you so much for stopping in.
Such an easy recipe, but it was great!
Awesome! That’s what I like to hear!
Worked great for a family dinner along with a meat platter and cous cous! Thanks?
Glad to hear it, Anika!!
I need some good home made salads for work.
Hope this is it!
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.
★★★★★
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!
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
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Sandra, I am so so glad to hear this! Thank you so much for sharing!
Book Book yes
Soon, I hope, Leida. Thank you very much!
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
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 🙂
Ooh, our standard salad has become cherry tomatoes and cucumber as my 3 yo likes them, I’ll have to try your finishing touches ?
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!
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!
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?
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.
The nutritional value for this is 100% all good!!! 🙂
Totally, Tim! Thank you for stopping in!
You know it! Thanks for stopping in, Tim!
This is awesome!!! I also added 1/3 cup hummus on top for some protein!
Great idea! Thanks for sharing, April!
LOVE this recipe. The presentation on my dinner table received pools and Saabs. Thank you for another winner.
★★★★★
That was ooohs and aaahs.sorry for the typo
haha! Thank you so much, Lynn! Glad ya’ll enjoyed it!
….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.
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/
so glad I found you Love your simple recipes at 75 I really appreciate the simple ones Thanks looks so yummy
★★★★★
Hi Dorothy! Welcome to The Mediterranean Dish. I am so glad you found us too! And glad you’re enjoying the recipes!
I have never used sumac before. I would love to try it! This salad is gorgeous and simple!
Yes, so simple! Thanks,Beth!
I love the Mediterranean cuisine and their use of olive oil and healthy and fresh ingredients. This salad recipe is great, Suzy!
Awesome Agness! Glad you stopped in!
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!
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This looks so light and refreshing! I love simple salads that are easy to make but also wonderfully flavorful.
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!
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It is super fresh! And easy! Enjoy!
This looks delicious, healthy, and simple! I am saving this one. Thanks for sharing!
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YES! All the above! Thanks for stopping in, Luci!