Middle Eastern Summer Salad Recipes

TABOULI SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Wash the bulgur wheat and soak it in water for 5-7 minute. Drain very well (squeeze the bulgur wheat by hand to get rid of any excess water). Set aside.
• Very finely chop the vegetables, herbs and green onions as indicated above. Be sure to place the tomatoes in a colander to drain excess juice.
• Place the chopped vegetables, herbs and green onions in a mixing bowl or dish. Add the bulgur and season with salt. Mix gently.
• Now add the the lime juice and olive oil and mix again.
• For best results, cover the tabouli and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. If you like, serve the tabouli with a side of pita and romaine lettuce leaves, which act as wraps or "boats" for the tabouli.
• Other appetizers to serve next to tabouli salad:Hummus; Baba Ganoush; or Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

FATTOUSH SALAD

Steps:

• Break the pita bread into small bite-size pieces. Heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan until shimmering, and add the pita bread. Fry briefly until browned, tossing frequently. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the fried pita chips to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Season with salt, pepper and sumac.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions with the sliced radish and parsley.
• To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon or lime juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses (if using), salt, pepper and spices.
• Pour toss lightly. Finally, add the pita chips, and more sumac if you like, and toss one more time. Transfer to small serving bowls or plates. Enjoy!

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the vegetables. Add the feta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve the salad with the toasted pita bread.

MIDDLE EASTERN TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Place diced cucumber into a colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt or as needed; allow to drain for about 15 minutes. Toss drained cucumber with tomato, sweet onion, parsley, and mint. Drizzle salad with olive oil and fresh lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.

MIDDLE EASTERN SUMMER SALAD

Steps:

• For the salad: Peel the cucumbers (optional, I never peel mine).
• Chop the cucumbers and the tomatoes.
• Toss together with the parsley, vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
• Cover and chill.
• Wrap pita rounds in foil and heat in a 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until warm.
• For the hummus: Meanwhile, to make the hummus, drain chickpeas, reserving the liquid.
• In a food processor bowl combine the chickpeas, tahini, and garlic.
• Add 1 tablespoon of remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Cover and process until smooth, adding enough chickpea liquid until the hummus is same consistency as thick oatmeal.
• Cut the warm pita rounds into wedges.
• Spoon the hummus onto plates, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with red pepper.
• Serve with cucumber and tomato salad.