Imagine a salad so refreshing, so bursting with flavor, that it transports you instantly to the sun-drenched streets of the Middle East with just one bite! This Tomato and Coriander Salad (Salatat Tamatim wa Kuzbara) is not just a side dish—it's a culinary journey that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the bold, herbaceous punch of fresh coriander. Perfect for those seeking a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious addition to their meal repertoire.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the ripe tomatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces. Aim for a uniform size to ensure even mixing and presentation in the salad.
- Next, take the fresh coriander (cilantro) and rinse it under cold water to clean it thoroughly. Shake off excess water and gently pat dry with a towel.
- Chop the coriander leaves finely, discarding any thick stems. You should have about half a cup of chopped coriander for the salad.
- Peel the red onion and cut it in half. Dice one half of the onion into small pieces. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped coriander, and diced red onion. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. This will be your dressing for the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture in the large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful to start with a small amount of salt and pepper, as you can always add more later.
- Gently toss the salad with a spatula or your hands to ensure that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes.
- Once the salad is well mixed, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like, you can add more lemon juice for acidity or more salt and pepper for flavor.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the overall taste.
- Serve the Tomato and Coriander Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Choose tomatoes at the peak of ripeness for maximum flavor. Look for firm, deeply colored tomatoes that yield slightly when gently pressed.
- For a milder onion flavor, soak diced red onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding to the salad. This helps reduce their sharp bite.
- Use fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves for the most vibrant flavor. If possible, chop the herbs just before mixing to preserve their essential oils and freshness.
- Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes after dressing to let the flavors meld together. This short marinating time enhances the overall taste profile.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of ground cumin or a dash of sumac to give the salad an authentic Middle Eastern twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
