They say you should never love something so much if it can’t love you back. Well, whoever says this obviously never had Israeli Salad, a mix of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and onions dressed in a crisp lemon and olive oil dressing that’s seasoned with fresh parsley and mint. I really love this salad, even when I know it can never love me back.
While reading through Ottolenghi’s cookbook, Jerusalem, I learned that Jerusalemites love Israeli Salad so much that they even eat it with every meal…even breakfast! Ottolenghi says “It’s a local affliction, quite seriously. Friends visiting us in London always complain of feeling they ate unhealthy because there wasn’t a fresh salad served with every meal.”
It’s actually not a bad idea, to start your day with some veggies. But if a salad for breakfast is a little bit too unusual for taste then definitely try some Israeli Salad later in the day for lunch or dinner. I’m sure you’ll love it!
Recipe inspired by Ottolenghi’s cookbook, Jerusalem, and Feasting at Home.
Israeli Salad
A refreshing chopped salad that combines crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs and a light lemon dressing.
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized tomaotes (600g)
- 1 English cucumber (350g)
- 1/2 medium red onion (60g)
- 10g fresh Italian parsley (small handful)
- 6g fresh mint with stems (3-4 sprigs)
- 1 lemon (zest + juice)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Step 1 With a very sharp knife seed and dice tomatoes and cucumber. You will want them to be similar in size. Place in a bowl.
- Step 2 Very finely chop the onion. It should be chopped much smaller than the tomatoes and cucumbers. Place in a large bowl.
- Step 3 Very finely chop parsley and mint. The finer you chop the better the taste. Add to bowl.
- Step 4 Zest the lemon into the bowl. Then cut lemon in half and juice into the bowl.
- Step 5 Add olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix everything together.
- Step 6 Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to blend, so don’t skip this step!