Lebanese Tomato Salad Pepper

This Lebanese Tomato Salad is my go to when I crave something fresh vibrant and quick for lunch or as a side for grilled meats. Packed with ripe tomatoes and a bold tangy dressing it brings Middle Eastern flavors to every bite and honestly it disappears fast around my table every summer.

I first fell for this salad on a steamy July day juggling too many things at once. It tasted like childhood summers and made me feel instantly transported even if just for lunchtime.

Ingredients

• Campari tomatoes: You want fully ripe tomatoes for sweetness and juice so choose ones that feel heavy for their size without any blemishes
• Large red bell pepper: Sweet bell pepper adds crunch and balances the acidity of the tomatoes look for glossy skin and deep color
• Garlic: Four fresh cloves bring boldness and bite avoid shriveled or sprouting bulbs for best flavor
• Smoked paprika: This spice lends a subtle smokiness opt for a good quality Spanish paprika if you can find it
• Sumac: Tangy deep red sumac brightens the entire salad Use ground sumac from a Middle Eastern grocery for freshest flavor
• Olive oil: A robust extra virgin olive oil ties all the flavors together
• Salt and pepper: Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper bring everything into balance
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds herbaceous lift make sure it is vibrant green and wash well

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Cut the Tomatoes:

Start by washing the campari tomatoes thoroughly Pat them dry gently Slice each tomato into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl The tomatoes will form the juicy base of the salad

Prepare the Pepper and Garlic Paste:

Cut the red bell pepper into four pieces Remove and discard the stem and seeds Place the bell pepper sections and peeled garlic cloves into a food processor Pulse until they transform into a semi smooth paste You want to see little bits not a puree

Make the Dressing:

Transfer the pepper and garlic paste to a separate bowl Stir in the smoked paprika sumac salt and pepper Drizzle in the olive oil and whisk well so the spices and oil emulsify The dressing should smell fragrant with a rosy hue

Dress the Tomatoes:

Pour the fragrant dressing over the quartered tomatoes in the mixing bowl Gently toss using clean hands or a wide spatula You want every tomato piece coated evenly

Finish and Chill:

Add the chopped parsley folding it gently through the salad Cover and refrigerate for about thirty minutes This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad a refreshing chill

Serve:

Transfer the finished salad to a wide serving bowl If there is juice at the bottom pour it over the top Serve cool and enjoy every spoonful

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My favorite part of this salad has always been the way smoked paprika and sumac meet to create an unforgettable depth. One summer my grandmother let me pick fresh tomatoes from her garden and we sat together making this dish laughing about how every tomato tasted better because we picked them ourselves.

Storage Tips

This salad tastes fantastic chilled and the leftovers will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. As it sits the tomatoes will release more juices so give everything a gentle toss before serving. If making ahead for a party mix in the parsley right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find campari tomatoes use the ripest vine tomatoes or cherry tomatoes you can buy The key is juicy sweet flavor. For the bell pepper yellow or orange work too if you prefer a milder taste. Swap flat leaf parsley with fresh cilantro or mint for a delicious twist. In a pinch if you do not have sumac try a splash of lemon juice though the authentic tang comes from sumac

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines beside grilled meats juicy kebabs or roast chicken Serve with warm pita bread to soak up the juices. It is also a bright addition to a mezze platter or makes an excellent side for grain bowls. Sometimes I spoon leftovers onto garlicky toast for a quick snack

Cultural Roots

This salad is a staple across Lebanon especially during summer when tomatoes are at their best. The use of sumac and olive oil is quintessential in Levantine cuisine bringing together zesty and earthy notes in simple dishes. Every family has their spin on it but the essence is celebrating great produce with minimal fuss

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Serve cool, vibrant, and full of flavor — this salad is a love letter to summer!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of tomatoes work best?

Campari tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and juiciness, but grape or Roma tomatoes can be used as alternatives.

→ Is it necessary to use smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika adds depth, but regular paprika works if needed. The salad will still be flavorful and bright.

→ How does sumac affect the flavor?

Sumac brings a tangy, lemony note that enhances freshness and balances the richness of olive oil.

→ Can this salad be made ahead?

It's best served within a few hours of preparation, as chilling allows flavors to blend while tomatoes remain juicy.

→ What can I serve with this salad?

Pairs well with grilled meats, falafel, or flatbread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.