Israeli Salad

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
A crisp, refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed with zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
Israeli Salad recipe image

Israeli Salad

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 53.0

Description

This vibrant Israeli salad, also known as Kousa salad, is the ultimate summer side dish. It features a bright combination of finely diced cucumbers and ripe tomatoes, tossed with crunchy green peppers, radishes, and shredded lettuce. The dressing is simple yet impactful, made with fresh lemon juice, vegetable oil, and a touch of salt and pepper. Finely chopped green onions and fresh parsley add layers of aromatic flavor and color. The texture is delightfully crisp and juicy, making it perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood. Its incredibly easy to prepare using common pantry staples, ensuring you can whip up this healthy, vegan-friendly dish in minutes. Serve it immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
  2. Peel the cucumbers if desired, then finely dice them into small, uniform cubes.
  3. Finely dice the tomatoes and green bell pepper.
  4. Thinly slice or chop the radishes.
  5. Grate or finely shred the carrots.
  6. Finely chop the green onions and fresh parsley.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, radishes, shredded lettuce, grated carrots, green onions, and parsley.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and coarsely ground black pepper to create the dressing.
  9. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture.
  10. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.
  12. Serve immediately while crisp and fresh.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 53.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.4g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 39.5mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 11.9g4%
Dietary Fiber 3.8g16%
Sugars 5.0g
Protein 2.8g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best texture, serve this salad immediately after tossing. If you need to make it ahead, store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, but note that the vegetables may release some water and become softer.

Traditional Israeli salad often omits lettuce and carrots, focusing solely on cucumbers and tomatoes. This version includes them for added volume and crunch. Feel free to omit them for a more authentic texture.

Use English or Persian cucumbers if available, as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, resulting in a crisper salad. If using standard cucumbers, peeling them is recommended to avoid bitterness.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of sumac or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil instead of vegetable oil.

Keywords: israeli salad, cucumber salad, tomato salad, kousa salad, middle eastern salad, fresh vegetables, lemon dressing, vegan side dish, healthy salad, summer salad, no cook, picnic food, grilled chicken side, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, quick meal, light lunch, diet friendly, vegetarian
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious