Israeli Salad Recipe - Paleo, Vegan & Low Carb (2024)

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Meet your new favorite side dish - asimple authentic Israeli Salad Recipe made with finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh parsley, lemon, andolive oil. Low carb, low in calories, paleo, vegan and gluten-free!

Israeli Salad Recipe - Paleo, Vegan & Low Carb (1)

Meet the refreshing side dish that will complement all those gorgeous main dishes you'll cook up this summer.

This easy Middle Eastern salad bursts with all that gorgeous summer produce – crisp, fresh veggies and herbs, tossed in a simple lemony dressing that takes seconds to make. On its own, this salad is a clean-eating approved, plant-based, healthy and detoxifying dish that fits into any diet. Summer in a bowl.

Israeli Salad Recipe - Paleo, Vegan & Low Carb (2)

What is Israeli Salad?

Let me start by saying that this salad has different names throughout the Middle East, so you might know it under another name already.

Traditionally, Israeli salad is made from cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and parsley. In Israel, this saladis commonly eaten for breakfast, but not exclusively - it's also a popular side or appetizer. As for the background story, word is that it evolved from a chopped Turkish salad also known as shepherd’s salad, which again is closely related to a traditional Persian salad known assalad shirazi. Just like the wine we like so much, it'snamed after the ancient city of Shiraz.

Israeli Salad Recipe - Paleo, Vegan & Low Carb (3)

Turkish Coban salatsifrom Israel’s Turkish neighbors became popular on the kibbutzim (communal agricultural collectives) because of the simple, easy-to-grow ingredients. Over time, some ingredients were added while others were taken away, but the basic components remained the same. In its most basic version, it contains only cucumbers and tomatoes dressed in olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. We keep things a bit more colorful and toss in some red onions and parsley.

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Whichever ingredients you decide to add, the vegetables should always be diced into even-sized chunks for that signature look. The actual size of the pieces can range from very small, a practice that started in the Ottoman Empire, to more chunky. I like it both ways and it really depends on how much patience I can rustle up.

How to make the best Israeli Salad:

How to dice a tomato the right way:

The best knife for slicing and dicing tomatoes is a serrated knife.

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Step 1 -Rinse the tomato and pat dry. Cut it into slices.

Step 2 & 3 - Remove any green stem. Cut the tomato slices into ¼-inch-wide strips. Now cut these strips crosswise into ¼-inch dice.

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Step 4 & 5 Halve the cucumber, then slice in half lengthwise. If you have trouble digesting seeds, you can de-seed the cucumber easily by slicing it in half lengthwise and scooping out the seed-filled center. Cut into strips.

Step 6 - Hold the long, thin pieces together with one hand. Slice into small cubes with the other hand.

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Step 7 - Place the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and parsley in a medium salad bowl.

Step 8 - Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt. Toss to combine and adjust salt to taste if needed.

What can I serve with Israeli Salad?

Israeli salad makes a great side dish for most meats and fish. It's delicious with grilled chicken for instance.

If you want to keep the Middle Eastern them going, I love serving this alongsideChicken Shawarmabut you can also keep it vegan and servewith falafel,pita bread or homemade pita chipsandtahini sauce, baba ganoush, and hummus.

Tips

  • This salad is best served immediately because it will produce a lot of liquid.
  • The key to flavor consistency is to dice the tomatoes and cucumbers to a similar size.
  • Although not traditional, you can add bell peppers or use mint instead of parsley.
  • If you don’t like raw onions (or are going on a date later), you can make yours without.
  • One of the main ingredients in Israeli salad is cucumbers and if you can find them, I recommend you use Persian. They are smaller and sweeter than English cucumbers and are great for snacking.
  • Persian cucumbers have lots of little seeds, which add to their flavor so I leave them in.

Israeli Salad Recipe - Paleo, Vegan & Low Carb (8)

5 from 4 votes

Print

Israeli Salad Recipe

Meet your new favorite side - asimple authentic Israeli Salad Recipe made with finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh parsley, lemon, andolive oil. Low carb, low in calories, and gluten-free!

CourseAppetizer, Breakfast, side, Snack

CuisineIsraeli

Keywordchopped turkish salad, Israeli salad recipe, recipe for Israeli salad

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 4

Author Marie

Ingredients

  • 2cupsripe tomatoesthinly diced - if tomatoes are not in season, use cherry tomatoes for the best flavor
  • 2cupscucumbersthinly diced - ideally Persian/small cucumbers
  • ½cupred onionthinly minced
  • 2tbspflat-leaf parsleythinly minced
  • 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
  • 2tbsplemon juice
  • ½tspsea salt

Instructions

  1. Be sure to chop the tomatoes and the cucumbers thinly and to a similar size. It’s key for flavor consistency. Scroll up in the post to see how I cut them.

  2. Place the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and parsley in a medium salad bowl.

  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt.

  4. Toss to combine and adjust salt to taste if needed.

  5. This salad is best served immediately because it will produce a lot of liquid.

Recipe Notes

  • The key to flavor consistency is to dice the tomatoes and cucumbers to a similar size.
  • Although not traditional, you can add bell peppers or use mint instead of parsley.
  • If you don’t like raw onion (or are going on a date later), you can make yours without.
  • One of the main ingredients in Israeli salad is cucumbers and if you can find them, I recommend you use Persian. They are smaller and sweeter than English cucumbers and are great for snacking.

If you tried this Israeli Salad Recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me onInstagram,PinterestandFacebookfor more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!

For more Middle Eastern recipes check out:

  • Baked Falafel Burger
  • Middle Eastern Lamb Burgers
  • Falafel Pita Pockets
  • Summer Chickpea Salad
  • Roasted Eggplant Salad
  • Persian Salmon in Parchment Paper

« Healthy Baked Polenta Fries

Spiralized Zucchini Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sujatha Muralidhar

    The recipe reminding me that the summer is here. Can't wait to try this recipe with my backyard tomato.

    • Marie

      With such a simple recipe, quality ingredients are key! I can't imagine how delicious it would taste with homegrown tomatoes, yum!

  2. Dannii

    This is one of my favourite salads and I always order it from my local takeaway. I will have to try making it.

  3. veenaazmanov

    Definitely simple and colorful and so healthy too. Goes well with the season.

    • Marie

      Thanks Veena! It really is the perfect summer salad 😀

  4. Jack

    Lovely recipe, this literally goes with nearly anything 🙂

    • Marie

      Exactly! A true staple.

  5. Jacqueline Meldrum

    I remember when I was a kids making this salad for my day to take to work. I didn't realise at the time I was making an Israeli salad, it was just what we had in the fridge. Always tasty! Sharing this one now.

Israeli Salad Recipe - Paleo, Vegan & Low Carb (2024)

FAQs

What are the main ingredients of an Israeli salad? ›

This fresh, light, and colorful salad is sure to become a favorite for your family. Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley combine with a drizzled dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and mint leaves.

What is Jerusalem salad made of? ›

Jerusalem salad is a refreshing dish typically made of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. It often includes fresh herbs like parsley and mint to add flavor and vibrancy.

Why is it called Israeli salad? ›

It was adopted by Jewish immigrants to the Levant in the late 19th century, who found the locally grown Kirby cucumbers and tomatoes in popular local salad. It was popularized in the kibbutzim, where the Jewish farmers had local fresh produce at hand. The name Israeli Salad is used mainly outside of Israel.

How to make ovcharska salad? ›

Ovcharska salata is a simple variation of the famous Shopska salata. Essentially, it is Shopska salata (cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cheese) with the addition of mushrooms, eggs, and ham. The salad is typically tossed with vegetable oil, left to rest for a few minutes, and it is then ready for consumption.

How many carbs are in Israeli salad? ›

ACTUAL NUTRITIONAL CONTENT PER SERVING: 68 calories, 2g protein, 9g carb, 2g fiber, 1g net carb, 0g sugar, 4g fat, 1g sat fat, 46mg sodium.

What is the most eaten food in Israel? ›

Falafel is probably the most recognizably Israeli food there is. In almost every town in Israel you can find a choice of shops attracting the hungry with the delicious smell of frying falafels. The Shuk (market) Betzalel area in Tel Aviv, for example, is famous for its excellent falafel.

What is the difference between Israeli salad and Shirazi salad? ›

The difference boils down to herbs. Shirazi salad often has the refreshing bite of fresh chopped mint mingling with the ingredients, while Israeli salad has the more bracing bitterness of parsley. The former typically makes use of verjuice in its dressing while the latter opts for citrus.

Do Israelis eat salad for breakfast? ›

Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, radishes, onions and shredded carrots are common, as are olives. A variety of salads are available. Coffee, tea, juices, fresh fruits, bread and pastries complete the menu.

What vegetables do they eat in Israel? ›

Roasted vegetables includes bell peppers, chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, eggplants and also sometimes potatoes and zucchini. Usually served with grilled meat. Khamutzim are pickled vegetables made by soaking in water and salt (and sometimes olive oil) in a pot and withdrawing them from air.

What is a typical Israeli breakfast? ›

As well as eggs, which are served any way you like, there will be plenty of fruits, juices, cheeses (both white and yellow), vegetables, olives, savoury dips and spreads and - of course - an enormous bread basket to dig into. And that's the 'regular' typical Israeli breakfast.

What does hummus mean in Israel? ›

Hummus is often seen as an unofficial "national dish" of Israel, reflecting its huge popularity and significance among the entire Israeli population, which Israel's critics describe as an appropriation of Lebanese, Palestinian or Arab culture.

Why do Israelis eat falafel? ›

Falafel was made popular in Israel by Yemeni Jews in the 1950s. They brought with them the chickpea version of the dish from Yemen and introduced the concept of serving falafel balls in pita bread. And the way the Israeli falafel is served is, in my opinion, the main reason why Israeli falafel is truly, well, Israeli.

Why is it called Waldorf salad? ›

Waldorf salad is named for the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, where it was first created for a charity ball given in honor of the St. Mary's Hospital for Children on March 13, 1896.

What is a Bewaz salad? ›

Be the first to rate & review! League of Kitchens instructor Jeanette Chawki prepares this refreshing salad as the perfect partner to grilled meats. Sumac adds tangy, floral flavor to this simple and refreshing herb and onion salad.

What is the Bella Hadid salad? ›

Bella's salad is made with a base of arugula topped with cucumber, bell pepper, avocado and parmesan cheese. The best part (she says not to skip it!) is the balsamic glaze on top.

What are the traditional ingredients in Israel? ›

Israeli cuisine uses vegetables, cooked and raw, many fruits, and dairy in the form of cheese and yogurt. Chicken, fish, and lamb are common animal proteins. Grilled kebobs and shawarma (meat cut into thin slices) are typical ways that Israelis prepare meat.

What does Israeli food consist of? ›

Geography has a large influence on Israeli cuisine, and foods common in the Mediterranean region, such as olives, wheat, chickpeas, dairy products, fish, and vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, and zucchini are prominent in Israeli cuisine.

What is the most popular salad ingredients? ›

A typical salad starts with raw greens, such as lettuce, spinach, kale, mixed greens or arugula. However, you can also add several other raw vegetables. Some popular raw veggie toppings include chopped carrots, onions, cucumbers, celery, mushrooms and broccoli.

What are the vegetables of Israel? ›

Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and zucchini are grown commonly throughout the country; melons are grown during winter months in the valleys. Subtropical areas in the country produce bananas and dates, while in the northern hills apples, pears and cherries are grown.

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