Lebanese tomato salad
This salad tastes best in summer, when sweet, juicy, freshly picked tomatoes are at their peak. Mint adds a bright, refreshing note, and don’t be afraid of the garlic—it gives the salad an extra kick.
What is it?
Lebanese tomato salad is rooted in the traditions of Levantine cuisine, which celebrates fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, and simplicity. Although tomatoes only arrived in the Middle East from the Americas in the 19th century, they quickly became an essential part of the region’s culinary heritage.
At its simplest, the salad is made with ripe tomatoes, onion, mint, olive oil, and salt.
When to serve it
This refreshing salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meat, halloumi, or baked feta. It also pairs beautifully with fresh pita bread or toasted sourdough.
Good for your taste buds - and your health
Lebanese tomato salad proves that just a handful of simple ingredients can create a meal packed with nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are a natural source of lycopene, and olive oil helps your body absorb it more effectively. Lemon juice adds a boost of vitamin C, while mint has long been valued in traditional herbal medicine for supporting healthy digestion.
Star ingredient: MINT
Mint is a herb that doesn’t need to show off. Rub a leaf gently between your fingers and its unmistakably fresh aroma is released instantly. Harvested straight from your Oliver, it reaches your plate at its very best—richly aromatic with a naturally cooling flavor.
Lebanese Tomato Salad
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
900 g ripe tomatoes
20–30 mint leaves
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Method:
Cut the tomatoes into large, irregular chunks. A serrated knife or a very sharp knife works best.
Finely chop the onion, roughly chop the mint, and crush the garlic. Combine everything with the tomatoes in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, or let the salad rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Tricks:
Any variety, color, or size of tomato works well. The best choice is whatever is fresh and in season—whether from a farmers' market or your own garden.
For a milder flavor, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
If raw onion tastes too sharp, soak it in cold water for 5 minutes or toss it briefly with a little lemon juice before adding it to the salad.
For extra crunch, add fresh cucumber or romaine lettuce.
Average nutritional values (per serving):
Weight: 270 g
Energy: 256.4 kJ / 61.3 kcal
Fat: 5.1 g
Carbohydrates: 13.2 g
Fiber: 3.4 g
Protein: 2.2 g