Finely diced cucumber and tomato salad
Israeli Salad
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4
4 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
A refreshing, finely diced salad of cucumber, tomato, and onion dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The essential side dish served at every Israeli meal.
Cuisine: Various
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Quick Summary
15 min total time|4 servings|Easy difficulty
A refreshing, finely diced salad of cucumber, tomato, and onion dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The essential side dish served at every Israeli meal.
VeganGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Israeli salad is all about the cut—everything should be diced into tiny, uniform pieces so each bite has every ingredient. It's the simplest salad that somehow tastes better than the sum of its parts.
The best salads are not afterthoughts — they are composed dishes with contrasting textures, bold dressings, and ingredients that complement each other perfectly.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Dice cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion into small, uniform 1/4-inch pieces.
- 2
Combine all diced vegetables in a large bowl.
- 3
Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Toss gently and taste for seasoning. Add chopped parsley or mint.
- 5
Serve immediately as a side dish, in pita sandwiches, or alongside any main course.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Best enjoyed fresh -- prepare the dressing separately if making ahead
Substitutions
Persian cucumbersEnglish cucumber, seeded
Similar crunch with fewer seeds
Red onionGreen onion
Milder flavor that doesn't overpower
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use the sharpest knife you have for clean, uniform cuts.
Dress the salad right before serving so vegetables stay crisp.
Dry your greens thoroughly — water on the leaves dilutes the dressing and makes everything soggy.
Dress your salad just before serving. Pre-dressed salads wilt quickly, especially delicate greens.
Storage
Best eaten immediately. Keeps 1 day but will release liquid.
Reheating
Salads are best enjoyed fresh and do not require reheating. If you have leftover dressed salad, it may be slightly wilted but still edible within a few hours.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings
Calories90
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein2g
Carbohydrates7g
Fat7g
Fiber150mg
Sugar2g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How small should I dice?
- About 1/4 inch—the smaller and more uniform, the more authentic.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Bell pepper, radish, or fresh herbs are popular additions.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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