Description
Enjoy a vibrant Lebanese tomato salad with juicy tomatoes, red bell pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs—a refreshing side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lb campari tomatoes: These tomatoes are known for their sweetness and juiciness, perfect for salads.
- 1 large red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a beautiful color contrast.
- 4 cloves of garlic: Imparts a wonderful aromatic element to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon sumac: This tangy spice enhances the salad with a citrusy zing.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: A key ingredient that brings everything together and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors.
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color.
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Begin by cutting 2 lb campari tomatoes into quarters. Place them in a large mixing bowl. The sweet, juicy tomatoes will be the star of your salad.
- Chop the Bell Pepper: Take 1 large red bell pepper, remove the stem and seeds, and chop it into four large pieces. This allows for easier blending.
- Blend the Vegetables: In a food processor, combine the chopped bell pepper and 4 cloves of garlic (peeled). Blend until smooth. This mixture will form the base of your dressing.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the bell pepper-garlic paste with 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon sumac, 4 tablespoons olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until fully combined. The dressing is the key element that brings flavor and moisture to the salad.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the quartered tomatoes in the mixing bowl and gently toss to coat the tomatoes evenly. Be careful not to crush them; you want them to maintain their shape.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley for freshness and an added layer of flavor. This herb brightens up the dish.
- Chill for Flavor Development: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, serve the salad in a bowl, garnished as desired, and prepare to enjoy the wonderful flavors you’ve created!