Classic Israeli Salad: the staple to every Israeli meal

This recipe gives any meal an Israeli twist, plus it's incredibly simple to make

By Artza

Updated March 31, 2024.

a blue bowl filled with vegetables on top of a wooden table

Mmmm this yummy Israeli staple goes perfect with almost any meal! It takes just a few minutes to make and is super healthy. Plus it’s also biblical as olive oil is integral to this salad and olive oil is mentioned in the Bible as “one of the finest of spices” in Exodus 30:22-33.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 24 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Exodus 30: 22-25

You'll find this delicious salad all across Israel. Whether it's served alongside some warm fresh pita, hummus, and falafel or if it's served to complement some delicious chicken (we love this recipe of Israeli sumac chicken and it is served perfectly along Israeli salad!) or it's even so tasty it can be enjoyed on it's own. We hope that you'll love Israeli salad too and that everytime you make this simple dish it will transport you to the Holy Land as you savour each bite.

Ps. Did you know that in Israel it is normal to eat salad for breakfast?

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 Roma tomatoes
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 3 cloves garlic - add/subtract for your preference :)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Za’atar

INSTRUCTIONS

Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and garlic cloves. Mix in your favourite serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and za’atar (this spice really makes this salad!) Toss and Be'teavon בתאבון (enjoy!!)