If you're looking for a Mediterranean salad that's quick, simple, and packed with flavor, this tomato and red onion salad with za’atar is a perfect choice. With just a handful of ingredients, this salad can be enjoyed immediately, and it gets even better as it sits in the fridge.
It takes only 10 minutes to whip up, making it a great choice for busy days. The secret to its amazing taste is using high-quality olive oil and an authentic Levantine za’atar.

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Why you’ll love this salad
- Quick & easy (10 minutes!): Just slice, mix, and enjoy! With just a few simple steps, it comes together in minutes.
- Bursting with flavor: The juicy tomatoes, crisp red onions, and savory za’atar dressing make every bite vibrant and delicious.
- Versatile & customizable: Serve it as a side dish, with bread, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean meals. You can also add ingredients like chickpeas or cucumbers to add heartiness and crunch!
- Perfect for meal prep: It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead salad.
Origins of Middle Eastern tomato salad
Tomatoes made their way to the Middle East in the early 1800s, quickly becoming a staple in Levantine cuisine. This Mediterranean tomato salad draws inspiration from the rich flavors and ingredients typical of the region, such as tomatoes, olive oil, mint, za’atar, and sumac. These ingredients are at the heart of many Levantine dishes, providing a burst of freshness and vibrancy.
Za’atar holds a special place in my heart. Central to Palestinian and Levantine cuisine, it is an herb deeply ingrained in our culture and traditions. The za’atar herb is a distinct species native to the Levant. This unique herb has been cherished for centuries, contributing its earthy, zesty flavor to countless dishes.
However, access to wild za’atar has been restricted to Palestinians since 1977, when Israel enacted a law making it illegal for Palestinians to pick za’atar. This law effectively criminalized a vital part of Palestinian culture and identity.
This tomato and red onion salad, inspired by Levantine flavors and ingredients, is a tribute to the vibrant and rich culinary traditions of the Middle East. It pairs wonderfully with various dishes and can be enjoyed as a refreshing side, scooped with bread, or on top of toast. Whether you're hosting or simply looking for a quick and healthy dish, this simple salad recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredient notes
The charm of this tomato onion salad is in its simple, high-quality ingredients.
Tomatoes
Use juicy heirloom tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor. Tomatoes are the star of this Mediterranean tomato salad, bringing a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Red onions
Red onions add a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a beautiful pop of color to the salad. Thinly slicing the onions makes them a perfect match for the tomatoes.
Olive oil
A Mediterranean salad isn’t complete without plenty of extra virgin olive oil. It enhances flavor and provides healthy fats. Olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean diets and is known for its numerous health benefits, including heart health and anti-inflammatory properties. I prefer to use a high-quality Palestinian olive oil, like Canaan Fair Trade Organic.
Mint leaves
Fresh mint leaves bring a refreshing, aromatic note to this tomato onion salad. They complement the tomatoes and onions beautifully. If you don’t have fresh mint leaves available, a teaspoon of dried mint can be substituted.
Za’atar
Za’atar is key to this salad recipe. The secret to the best za’atar salad dressing is using a high-quality blend.
Lemon juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty, tangy flavor. It’s important to use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.
Sumac
Sumac is a tangy, purple spice that adds a burst of flavor to the dish.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
How to make this salad
Making this salad is incredibly simple. Follow these steps to prepare it:
Prepare the ingredients
Slice the tomatoes into half-moons or bite-sized chunks. Slice the red onions thinly.
Whisk the za’atar salad dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and za’atar.
Combine everything
In a large mixing bowl, add the tomatoes, red onions, and mint leaves. Pour the za’atar dressing over the ingredients.
Season and serve
Gently toss everything together to coat the salad evenly. Sprinkle the remaining za’atar on top of the salad. Serve immediately or let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Pro tip: For the best flavor, use ripe tomatoes, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and authentic za’atar.
Substitutions & variations
This versatile salad can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Lemon juice: If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use vinegar as a substitute. It adds a similar tangy flavor.
- Mint leaves: If you’re not a fan of mint, try using fresh parsley, dill, or basil instead.
- Add protein: For a heartier salad, add chickpeas or white beans. They provide extra protein and make the salad more filling.
- Extra veggies: Thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers can be added for more crunch and flavor. Avocado also makes a tasty addition.
- Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a hint of shatta (spicy red pepper paste).
- Garlic-infused: Try adding freshly minced garlic for a savory kick.
Top tips for making this simple tomato salad
To make the best tomato salad, here are some tips:
- Use ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes are sweeter and juicier, which enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
- Let it sit: If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Marinate the onions: Optionally let the red onions soak in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This reduces bitterness and enhances flavor.
FAQs
Absolutely! This salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the tomatoes, onions, and herbs. It's a nutritious and low-calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, Mediterranean diet.
Eating a tomato salad daily can provide numerous health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant known for its potential to reduce the risk of certain diseases. The salad also provides fiber, vitamins A and C, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Yes, raw red onions are commonly used in salads. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor adds a delicious crunch and complements other salad ingredients well.
The best dressing for a tomato and onion salad is a simple olive oil and lemon za’atar dressing. This creates a tangy and refreshing Mediterranean flavor, without overpowering the tomatoes.
What to serve with this recipe
This salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Here are some of my favorite vegan Middle Eastern recipes to serve with it:
- Mujadara: This salad adds a burst of freshness to my mujadara, a Syrian bulgur wheat and lentils recipe, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Za’atar Avocado Toast: Try it on top of my za’atar avocado toast for a delicious and healthy twist.
- Fresh Bread: Serve it on top of fresh bread like bruschetta for a delightful and simple appetizer.
- Vegan Chicken Piccata: It goes perfectly as a side with an Italian-style pasta like my vegan chicken piccata, adding a refreshing contrast.
- Meatless Stuffed Grape Leaves: This tomato salad with red onion pairs as a refreshing side when serving yalanji dolma as a main dish.
Recipe
Middle Eastern tomato and red onion salad with za’atar
Ingredients
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 5-6 vine or heirloom tomatoes (about 2 lbs), sliced
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup mint leaves packed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- 1 ½ teaspoon za'atar divided
Instructions
- Add the sliced onions, tomatoes, and mint leaves to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, sumac, and 1 teaspoon of za’atar to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to coat everything evenly.
- Before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of za’atar on top, along with an optional drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy fresh or refrigerate for deeper flavor!
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Al says
Refreshing on a hot day. And so flavorful!