In Israel, "salad" often refers to something quite specific: a vibrant mix of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and sometimes peppers. Dressed simply with lemon juice and salt, it's a refreshingly light and healthy side dish. Unlike American salads, this version skips the leafy greens.
I love this traditional approach for its simplicity and make-ahead convenience – the flavors actually intensify over time! But for those who crave a bit more, this recipe takes Israeli Salad to the next level. We'll be adding salty, crumbled cheese, fragrant mint leaves, and a generous drizzle of my all-time favorite condiment: extra virgin olive oil. Get ready for an Israeli Salad that's both familiar and exciting!
Ingredients
Servings 4
- 3 Persian cucumbers unpeeled, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper seeded, veins removed, diced
- 2 tomatoes on the vine diced or 10 large grape tomatoes, quartered
- 3 tablespoons finely diced red onion or finely chopped chives
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup crumbled feta goat or Bulgarian cheese
- 1 tablespoon small mint leaves packed
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil optional
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Israeli Salad with Feta
Amount per Serving
Calories
106
% Daily Value*
Fat
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
3
g
Cholesterol
17
mg
6
%
Sodium
364
mg
16
%
Potassium
235
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
7
g
2
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
1367
IU
27
%
Vitamin C
47
mg
57
%
Calcium
110
mg
11
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Instructions
- Place cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and onions in a medium bowl. Gently toss with lemon juice and salt.
- Just before serving top with cheese, scatter mint leaves, add a few turns of the pepper mill and a drizzle of olive oil if desired
Notes
I am a big fan of the Bulgarian salty cheese here in Israel, best described as a cross between goat cheese and feta. Either will substitute beautifully!
Keep the skin on those cucumbers – Persian cucumbers have a dark green, flavorful skin full of vitamins!
sure looks like Greek salad to me, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and cheese. Onthe table of many Greek Jews.
+ olives