Traditional Arabic Salad Recipe

This traditional Arabic salad recipe, known as Salata Arabiya, has been a favorite since my childhood. My mother made it with love, and it quickly became a staple at every meal. Made with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sharp red onions, this refreshing side dish is simple, vibrant, and always the star on the table.

Ingredients in the Arabic Salad recipe

• Large Tomatoes: Bringing a juicy and refreshing element to the salad, the tomatoes provide a sweet and slightly acidic flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
• Persian Cucumbers or English Cucumbers: Crisp and mild cucumbers add an excellent and hydrating quality to the salad, balancing the flavors with their subtle sweetness.
• Red Onion: Offering a mild sharpness and sweetness, red onions contribute a distinct crunch and color to the salad.
• Italian Parsley: Herbaceous and slightly peppery, Italian parsley adds a fresh and vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall herb profile of the salad.
• Fresh Mint: Providing a burst of coolness and aromatic notes, fresh mint elevates the salad with its refreshing taste.
• Green Onions: Adding a mild flavor, green onions contribute a crisp texture and a subtle savory note.
• Dry Mint: Introducing a more concentrated mint flavor, dry mint complements the fresh mint and adds depth to the final flavor.
• Dressing – Lemon Juice and Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The dressing combines the zesty acidity of lemon juice with the richness of extra virgin olive oil, creating a light and flavorful dressing that ties all the ingredients together.

What to Serve with Salata Arabiya (Arabic Salad)

This versatile salad has a special place across the Middle East and complements various dishes. In Morocco, it’s a refreshing side for tagines, couscous, or grilled meats. Across Middle Eastern cuisines, it pairs well with maqluba (an upside-down rice and vegetable dish) and moujadara. For a delightful twist, Salata Arabiya makes an excellent topping for a falafel sandwich, infusing freshness into every bite. Enjoy its vibrant flavors alongside your favorite Middle Eastern dishes!

Personalizing Your Salata Arabiya

• Start with Basics: Pick tomatoes you like, such as beefsteak or Roma. Each offers distinct flavors. Choose Persian or English cucumbers for crunch. Add sliced or diced red onions for flavor and color.
• Add Variety: To enhance your Salata Arabiya, introduce slices or diced bell peppers in red, yellow, or green, or consider adding finely chopped green onions for a delicate yet vibrant flavor. Diced radishes also make a fantastic addition, offering a peppery bite and extra crispness.
• Elevate with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs: No Salata Arabiya is complete without a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. This enriches the flavors of your Arabic Salad with a fruity and smooth character and aligns with the healthy principles of Mediterranean cuisine. Don’t forget that fresh herbs like parsley and mint are staples in dishes like Salata Arabiya. While finely chopped Italian parsley adds brightness and vivid color, fresh mint leaves offer a soothing and refreshing touch.