Israeli salad is a refreshing, healthy dish, typically made with finely chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. Originating from the Middle East, it's renowned for its vibrant flavors and simplicity. It's versatile too - serve it as a side dish, stuff it in a pita for a quick lunch, or top it on hummus for a delightful dip.
While most of the ingredients are readily available, there are a couple which you may need to hunt for. Sumac, a tangy, lemony spice popular in Middle Eastern cooking, is one of them. It's available in well-stocked grocery stores or online. If it's hard to find, a good substitute is lemon zest. Another key ingredient is Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and crunchier than regular ones. If these aren't available, English cucumbers make a good substitute.
Ingredients for Quick Israeli Salad Recipe
Persian cucumbers: These are small, thin-skinned, and virtually seedless. Their crisp texture and mild flavor make them ideal for salads.
Cherry tomatoes: These are sweeter and juicier than their larger counterparts. They add a burst of flavor in every bite.
Bell pepper: Adds a sweet, slightly bitter flavor and a vibrant color to the salad.
Red Onion: It has a mild flavor that adds a slight kick to the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
Italian Parsley: This herb adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
Fresh mint: It brings a cool, refreshing taste to the salad.
Olive oil: Used to dress the salad, it adds a rich, fruity flavor.
Lemon juice: Gives the salad a tangy freshness.
Sumac: This spice has a tart, lemony flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Kosher salt: Adds flavor and helps to draw out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a slight heat and depth of flavor to the salad.
Chickpeas: A great source of protein and fiber, they add a satisfying crunch.
Pita bread: Used for serving, it's soft and slightly chewy.
Hummus: Creamy and rich in flavor, it pairs well with the crisp salad.
Feta cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess to the salad.
Pita chips: These provide a satisfying crunch when served with the salad and hummus.
One reader, Gabbey Humphries says:
This quick Israeli salad recipe is a game-changer! The fresh ingredients and zesty dressing make for a refreshing and flavorful dish. It's so easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or as a light lunch. I love how versatile and delicious it is!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Israeli Salad
How to make the quick Israeli salad: Combine Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, Italian parsley, mint, olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss until evenly combined and adjust the seasoning to taste.
How to assemble the Israeli salad wrap: Spread a layer of hummus on a piece of pita bread, then add a generous portion of the Israeli salad and any desired protein, such as chicken. Roll the pita into a wrap and serve immediately.
How to prepare the Israeli salad hummus dip: Spread a layer of hummus on a serving plate, then sprinkle the Israeli salad, roasted chickpeas, and feta cheese evenly over the hummus. Serve immediately with pita chips.
If you’re looking for a quick meal fix, try this Israeli salad that is so easy to make. This 10-minute recipe definitely saves you a lot of time, giving you more time to try and make other Jewish recipes. Even more, it’s an inexpensive and delicious meal you can enjoy!
How To Make Quick Israeli Salad
Have a taste of this traditional Israeli salad that you can quickly make with fresh veggies and zesty herbs and spices tossed in one delicious bowl.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Israeli salad
- 1lbPersian,or English cucumbers, diced
- 1lscherry tomatoes,halved
- 1bell pepper,cored and diced
- ½small red onion,diced
- ⅓cupfresh Italian parsley,roughly-chopped
- ¼cupfresh mint,roughly-chopped
- 2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 2tbspFresh Lemon Juice
- 1½tspsumac,or more to taste
- Kosher salt
- freshly-cracked black pepper
- chickpeas,or crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts (optional add-ins)
For Israeli Salad Wrap
- Pita Bread
- hummus
- 1Quick Israeli Salad
- protein like chicken,or , steak, shrimp, etc. falafel, crumbled feta cheese, cooked, optional
For Israeli Salad Hummus Dip
- hummus
- 1Quick Israeli Salad
- chickpeas,roasted
- feta cheese,crumbled
- pita chips,for serving
Instructions
To Make The Quick Israeli Salad:
-
Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl until evenly combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper and add in extra lemon juice and/or sumac powder if desired.
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Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
To Make The Israeli Salad Wrap:
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Spread a few spoonfuls of hummus evenly on a piece of pita bread. Top with a few spoonfuls of the Israeli Salad and any other optional add-ins.
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Roll the pita into a wrap and serve immediately.
To Make The Israeli Hummus Dip Wrap:
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Spread a batch of hummus out evenly on a serving plate. Sprinkle evenly with the Israeli Salad, roasted chickpeas, and feta.
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Serve immediately with pita chips.
Nutrition
- Calories: 115.69kcal
- Fat: 7.46g
- Saturated Fat: 1.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.98g
- Carbohydrates: 11.99g
- Fiber: 3.94g
- Sugar: 6.79g
- Protein: 2.54g
- Sodium: 581.18mg
- Calcium: 46.02mg
- Potassium: 599.18mg
- Iron: 1.81mg
- Vitamin A: 171.24µg
- Vitamin C: 74.85mg
Crucial Technique Tips for Elevating Your Israeli Salad
When preparing the Israeli salad, it's important to chop the vegetables into small, uniform pieces. This not only enhances the presentation of the salad, but also ensures that each bite is packed with a variety of flavors. Additionally, when using fresh herbs like parsley and mint, be sure to finely chop them to release their aromatic oils, which will infuse the salad with a deeper flavor profile. Lastly, don't forget to season your salad to taste. The lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper should be adjusted according to your personal preference. Remember, the key to a great salad is balance, so try to achieve a harmonious blend of tangy, salty, and fresh flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Quick Israeli Salad Preparation
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the vegetables and herbs in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use a food processor: Consider using a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and herbs for the salad.
Buy pre-cooked protein: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken or other protein options for the salad wrap.
Multi-purpose ingredients: Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple parts of the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Make a large batch: Consider making a larger quantity of the salad to have leftovers for future meals or snacks.
Keep it simple: Stick to simple and easy-to-find ingredients to minimize prep time and effort.
Pre-made hummus: Opt for store-bought hummus to save time, or prepare it in advance if making from scratch.
Quick assembly: Focus on quick and efficient assembly methods for the salad wrap and hummus dip.
One-pan protein: Cook the protein for the salad wrap in the same pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick Israeli Salad Recipe
Persian cucumbers - Substitute with English cucumbers: English cucumbers are a suitable substitute for Persian cucumbers as they have a similar mild flavor and crisp texture, making them ideal for salads.
Cherry tomatoes - Substitute with Grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes due to their similar size and sweet flavor, making them a great alternative in the salad.
Bell pepper - Substitute with Cubanelle pepper: Cubanelle peppers can be used as a substitute for bell peppers, providing a slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture to the salad.
Red onion - Substitute with Shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for red onions, offering a milder flavor and a hint of sweetness to the salad.
Italian parsley - Substitute with Curly parsley: Curly parsley can be used as a substitute for Italian parsley, providing a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salad.
Mint - Substitute with Basil: Basil can be used as a substitute for mint, offering a fresh and aromatic flavor to the salad.
Sumac - Substitute with Za'atar: Za'atar can be used as a substitute for sumac, providing a tangy and slightly earthy flavor to the salad.
Pita bread - Substitute with Naan bread: Naan bread can be used as a substitute for pita bread, offering a similar soft and chewy texture for the salad wrap.
Hummus - Substitute with Baba ganoush: Baba ganoush can be used as a substitute for hummus, providing a creamy and flavorful dip for the salad wrap.
Chicken - Substitute with Tofu: Tofu can be used as a substitute for chicken, offering a plant-based protein option for the salad wrap.
Feta cheese - Substitute with Goat cheese: Goat cheese can be used as a substitute for feta cheese, providing a tangy and creamy element to the hummus dip.
Presentation Ideas for a Stunning Israeli Salad
Elevate the Israeli salad: Arrange the salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each ingredient is showcased beautifully. Consider using a mix of colors and textures to create an eye-catching presentation.
Incorporate artistic plating: Utilize the pita bread and hummus as a canvas for your creation. Consider drizzling the hummus in a decorative pattern and arranging the salad wrap in an elegant, structured manner.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Aim for balanced and symmetrical presentation, showcasing the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients of the salad.
Highlight the freshness of the ingredients: Emphasize the quality of the produce by arranging the salad and wrap in a way that highlights the natural beauty of the vegetables and herbs.
Create a harmonious composition: Ensure that the flavors and textures of the salad and wrap complement each other. Consider layering the ingredients thoughtfully to create a cohesive and visually appealing dish.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Add a sprinkle of sumac or fresh herbs as a finishing touch to elevate the overall presentation and add a pop of color to the dish.
Consider the plate as a blank canvas: Use negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation. Allow the simplicity of the dish to shine through while maintaining an air of sophistication.
Emphasize the art of simplicity: Let the natural beauty of the ingredients take center stage. Keep the presentation clean and uncluttered, allowing the flavors to speak for themselves.
Pay attention to the details: Ensure that the edges of the pita bread are neatly folded, and the hummus is smoothed out for a polished appearance. Small details can make a big difference in the overall presentation.
Create a sensory experience: Consider incorporating elements that stimulate multiple senses, such as using fresh herbs to add aroma and texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Israeli Salad
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing salads.
- Citrus juicer: Used for extracting juice from citrus fruits like lemons and limes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Whisk: Used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Salad spinner: Used to wash and dry salad greens and herbs.
- Vegetable peeler: Used to peel vegetables and fruits.
- Cutting shears: Handy for snipping herbs and cutting kitchen twine.
- Garlic press: Used for quickly and easily mincing garlic.
- Microplane grater: Ideal for grating citrus zest and hard cheeses.
- Salad tongs: Used for tossing and serving salads.
- Mortar and pestle: Used for grinding and crushing herbs and spices.
- Plates and serving bowls: For presenting and serving the prepared salad.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Israeli Salad
- This israeli salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The vegetables may release some liquid as they sit, so you can drain off any excess before serving.
- If you want to make this salad ahead of time, I recommend storing the chopped vegetables separately from the dressing and tossing them together just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- For the best flavor and texture, I don't recommend freezing this israeli salad, as the vegetables will become soft and mushy when thawed.
- If you have any leftover pita bread, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply wrap the pita in foil and warm it in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Fascinating Facts About Israeli Salad
The Israeli salad is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is known for its refreshing and vibrant flavors. It is often served as a side dish or as a topping for wraps and sandwiches. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy dressing makes it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. This salad is also a great source of vitamins and nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any diet.
Is Making Israeli Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This Israeli salad recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With simple and affordable ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and lemon, it offers a budget-friendly option for families. The versatility of the salad also allows for various serving options, such as wraps or dips, adding value to the overall meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Israeli Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Israeli salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish that incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, parsley, and mint provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The use of extra-virgin olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, while the lemon juice and sumac add a tangy flavor and additional antioxidants. The inclusion of chickpeas in the salad and wrap variations adds a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat pita bread for the wrap to increase the fiber content
- Add more leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to boost the nutrient density
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables to ensure a wide range of vitamins and minerals
- Opt for low-fat or fat-free feta cheese to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use a homemade hummus recipe that controls the amount of added oil and salt
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or oil
By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate the Israeli salad recipe to an even healthier level while still maintaining its delicious taste and versatility.
Editor's Opinion on This Quick Israeli Salad Recipe
The quick Israeli salad recipe is a delightful blend of fresh and vibrant flavors. The combination of Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, herbs, and a zesty dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying dish. The versatility of the salad allows for various serving options, such as a delicious wrap with hummus and protein or a flavorful hummus dip with feta and pita chips. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the bright and crisp essence of Israeli cuisine.
Enhance Your Quick Israeli Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Israeli Salad
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Israeli Salad
Why trust this Quick Israeli Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a fresh and vibrant Israeli salad that is bursting with flavor and nutrition. The combination of Persian cucumbers, ripe cherry tomatoes, and crisp bell peppers ensures a delightful crunch in every bite. The addition of fragrant fresh herbs like Italian parsley and mint elevates the dish, while the sumac adds a tangy and citrusy note. With the use of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and zesty lemon juice, this recipe guarantees a delicious and authentic taste. Trust in this recipe for a delightful culinary experience.
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