Stuck in a salad rut? Up your salad game with this wickedly good Arabic Salad (سلطة عربية). Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and zesty red onions make this salad truly something to love. A delicate drizzle of tangy Za'atar dressing adds the perfect finishing touch. A 5-minute salad combination that just works!
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An overhead image of a chopped Arab salad in a brown and grey bowl with salad spoons to the right.

Chopped Arabic Salad

A perfect addition to a Middle Eastern menu designed for sharing, this Arabic Salad can be served on its own, as part of a meze or, as I like it, with Beef Kafta and Garlic Yogurt sauce. This is super easy, tomato, cucumber and lettuce salad is my go-to almost every weekend. It is fresh, crunchy, and delicious!

It is a very simple chopped salad made with fresh salad vegetables. The deliciously spiced Middle Eastern salad dressing brings this salad to life! I know you are going to love its simplicity and fresh flavours!

Related Recipes: Taboule Salad / Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Lemon Yogurt

What You’ll love About this Arabic Green Salad

  • QUICK & EASY – It only takes 5 minutes to make. It truly is such an easy tomato, cucumber salad recipe. Nothing needs to be prepared ahead. Just make and serve.
  • HEALTHY – Middle Eastern salads are all mostly fresh and good for you. This chopped salad is no exception. It is low carb and gluten free. It uses all fresh ingredients that are easy to source.
  • FLAVOURFUL FUSION – The dressing is wickedly good with its mix of extra virgin olive oil, zesty lemon juice, and the unique depth of pomegranate molasses or optional White Balsamic. The addition of mint leaves and Za’atar seasoning provides a fragrant and flavorful fusion that’s both delightful and unexpected.
  • SIMPLICITY – This salad is so easy to throw together yet still embodies the spirit of Middle Eastern cuisine— elegantly simple yet undeniably delicious.
Arabic Salad ingredients laid out with labels so the user knows what is in the recipe.

Arabic Salad Ingredients

  • Lettuce – Arab salad usually contains no lettuce. Leave it out if you prefer, but I love the combination of crunchy sweet lettuce with tomatoes and cucumber.
  • Tomatoes – all the vegetables in Arabic salad are unpeeled (except onion) and fresh. No cooked or canned vegetables are used. I like to use a combination of tomatoes. Whatever is in season and the tomatoes with the most colour and juicy texture.
  • White Balsamic Vinegar or Pomegranate Molasses – I love the sweetness of the vinegar or molasses in this simple dressing. You can just skip either of these and use only the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, parsley and fresh mint to flavour the dressing. Or a quick Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette would be perfect!
  • Za’atar Seasoning – I am a big Za’atar fan. This seasoning is not spicy or hot. It adds a nutty, floral and herby richness to the dressing. You can purchase Za’atar Seasoning or make your own Za’atar or Baharat Seasoning for a delicious Middle Eastern salad dressing.
  • Other extras – serve with extra chopped red bell pepper / capsicum, feta cheese, fried pita bread pieces, or kalamata olives,

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below to make this easy Arabic Salad recipe.

How to Make It

A bowl of Arabic salad dressing with tomatoes and a red onion to the side.
Chopped salad ingredients in bowls before adding to a mixing bowl.

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Step 1. Place all the dressing ingredients into a large bowl. Stir to combine.

Step 2. Dice the vegetables and chop the herbs.

A diced salad in a glass bowl with salad spoons before tossing.
An Arabic salad tossed with dressing in a glass bowl.

Step 3. Place the chopped vegetables and herbs into a large bowl. Toss to combine.

Step 4. Add the Arabian dressing and toss to coat. Taste and season with salt flakes and black pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

A serving suggestion of Beef Kafta kebabs with Arabic Salad in a handmade pottery bowl.

Pair the Arab salad with:

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make Arabic Salad Fattoush?

Just add pieces of fried pita bread. The pita can be regular store-bought, homemade or keto pita for a low carb Fattoush Salad.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, you can. Add the dressing only when ready to serve.

An Arab salad with green and brown glasses to the right and serving spoons.

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A close up of a chopped salad in a raw edge pottery bowl on a matching plate.

5-Minute Arabic Salad (سلطة عربية)

Stuck in a salad rut? Up your salad game with this wickedly good Arabic Salad (سلطة عربية). Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and zesty red onions make this salad truly something to love. A delicate drizzle of tangy Za’atar dressing adds the perfect finishing touch. A 5-minute salad combination that just works!
5 from 44 votes!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Arabic
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan
Recipe Category: Low Carb
Calories: 52kcal
Author: Megan Ellam
Servings: 4 serves
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup (1 cup) iceberg or Romaine/cos lettuce roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (1 cup) cucumber diced
  • 1 cup (1 cup) cherry tomatoes cut in halved
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) red onion diced
  • ¼ cup (¼ cup) flat-leaf parsley leaves roughly chopped

ARABIC SALAD DRESSING

  • 1 clove (1 clove) garlic
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) pomegranate molasses or White Balsamic optional
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) Za’atar Seasoning

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

  • Place all the dressing ingredients into a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Add all the salad ingredients to the bowl and toss to combine. Pour over the dressing and toss to coat. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

THERMOMIX METHOD

  • Place all the dressing ingredients into the mixer; mix 4 sec/speed 4. Transfer to a large bowl
  • Add all the salad ingredients to the bowl and toss to combine. Pour over the dressing and toss to coat. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Notes

ARAB SALAD INGREDIENTS
Use the freshest vegetables and herbs you can find in this chopped Arabic salad. If it is a really hot day and you are serving to guests I have a great tip! Add some crushed ice to the salad before adding to your mezze. The ice keep the salad nice and crunchy and adds to the dressing. If you have my Keto Mojo cookbook, you will know I use this in my famous Spoon Salad recipe.
I use Italian flat leaf parsley. Chop both the leaves and stems if preferred.
Lettuce – I use Romaine or Iceberg lettuce, anything that is crunchy. You can substitute arugula or baby spinach leaves.
Swap red onion with sliced green onions or finely diced golden shallots.
Tomatoes – I used a combination of cherry tomatoes and normal everyday tomato. Use what you love. There is not better use of fresh tasty tomatoes than a simple salad like this one.
Za’atar Seasoning – I have included a link to my amazing Za’atar seasoning recipe. You can swap the seasoning for Baharat or even Sumac for a quick Arab dressing.
I use freshly squeezed lemon juice, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil in all Middle Eastern Salads. 
Serve with Boneless Pork Ribs, Zucchini Slice, or on a Low Carb Bread sandwich with fish cakes or beef kafta (and Kebab Shop Garlic Sauce) – YUM!
THERMOMIX ARABIC CHOPPED SALAD
Alternative thermal method
Instead of dicing the vegetables. Add the onion and parsley to the mixer; chop 3 sec/speed 6. Add lettuce and cucumber; chop 3 sec/speed 5. I would still hand-chop the tomato and fold it through with the dressing.
 
STORAGE AND FREEZING
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This chopped salad is best made and eaten on the day. If it doesn’t look so appetising after a couple of days, add it to any stock, soup, stew, casserole or keto pasta dish.
This recipe yields approximately  4 servings. The actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes. 
 
To calculate the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe by 4. The result will be the weight of one serving. 
 
Nutritional values shown are guidelines only. They are for 1 serving using the ingredients listed. 
 
Alternatively, store in an airtight container and freeze.
If you have any queries, or questions or are unsure of substitutions, please scroll up to the blog post for more information.

Your Own Notes

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serve | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1662IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg | Magnesium: 15mg | Net Carbs: 4g
Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

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26 responses to “Easy Arabic Salad (سلطة عربية)”

  1. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

    5 stars
    I love this simple salad. I have both Za’atar and Baharat spice and used za’atar this time. Loved the flavor of the spices and served the salad with falafel and pita.

    Reply
  2. Ann

    5 stars
    I was getting tired of my usual lettuce salad for lunch. I am so happy I came across your post – this salad was delicious!

    Reply
  3. Katie Crenshaw

    5 stars
    I had some pretty tomatoes I bought from the Farmers Market that I needed to use and tried this recipe. It came out wonderful. The flavors were fresh and vibrant.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Good tomatoes make all the difference dont they.

      Reply
  4. Amy Liu Dong

    5 stars
    Such a pretty recipe! It is so delicious and easy to make aside from that it’s healthy!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  5. Tristin

    5 stars
    I am all about trying new salads and this salad dressing was different from the ones I’m used to. My family loved it!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay! Thanks for trying it Tristin. It such a delish salad.

      Reply
  6. swathi

    5 stars
    These arbic salad is refreshing and cooling effect great for hot days, we are having heat waves, so I tried this so yum.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I am so happy you enjoyed it Swathi x

      Reply
  7. Sharon

    5 stars
    This salad went perfectly with a side of Gyro meat. The simple salad dressing was a great compliment to the vegetables.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      A perfect match for sure.

      Reply
  8. DJ

    5 stars
    I love trying new salads and this one did not disappoint. In love with this recipe.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      It is so easy and so good, isn’t it.

      Reply
  9. Sarah James

    5 stars
    Your salad looks so fresh and colourful, I love the sound of the pomegranate molasses and Zaatar seasoning with the mint. Looking forward to making this at the weekend, thanks.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I hope you love it Sarah

      Reply
  10. Jerika

    This was an incredible Arabic Salad.:) I love the freshness of all the ingredients and the tangy Za’atar dressing.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I am so happy you loved it Jerika. Thanks for the review.

      Reply
  11. Colleen

    5 stars
    This simple salad is so elevated by the delicious dressing. It was perfect with falafel!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      It is such a great dressing isn’t it. Thanks for trying Colleen.

      Reply
  12. Jacqueline

    5 stars
    I’m also a big fan of Za’atar but had never used it in salad dressing before! Loved this salad!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      I am so happy you enjoyed it Jacqueline.

      Reply
  13. Enri Lemoine

    5 stars
    My kind of salad, my kind of recipe. Simple, unpretentious, and super flavorful. The Zaatar gives it some flavor complexity. I loved every bite! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      You uare very welcome Enri

      Reply
  14. Padma

    I love the simplicity of this salad. So colorful and with Zaatar, so flavorful as well! A big hit with us. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      You are very welcome Padma

      Reply
5 from 44 votes (32 ratings without comment)

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