Sweet summer tomatoes and a mountain of fresh herbs take center stage in this bright Mediterranean salad. Instead of just using parsley or mint as a garnish, you'll mix them right into the leafy greens for a deeply aromatic base. A sharp bite of red onion and garlic balances the juicy tomatoes, while a simple olive oil and za'atar dressing ties it all together. It's a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish on a warm afternoon.
Prep
20 min
Total
20 min
Servings
4
Course
Salad
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Ingredients
1 lemon
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 garlic clove, minced
3 medium tomatoes, sliced, or 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 teaspoon za’atar, divided
½ teaspoon kosher or sea salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
3 cups finely chopped fresh herbs of choice (see headnote), leaves and stems
3 cups salad greens of choice (see headnote)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
1Zest the lemon into a small bowl, then halve the fruit and squeeze the juice into the same bowl. Mix in the sliced red onion and minced garlic. Let the mixture rest while you prep the remaining ingredients to mellow the raw onion flavor.
2Place the sliced or halved tomatoes in a medium bowl. Toss them with 1/2 teaspoon of za'atar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside.
3Combine the chopped fresh herbs, salad greens, seasoned tomatoes, and the resting onion mixture in a large serving bowl.
4In the small bowl that held the onion, whisk the olive oil, red wine vinegar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of za'atar, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper until combined.
5Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
Nutrition
69kcal
Calories
1g
Protein
5g
Fat
2g
Fiber
174mg
Sodium
Notes
Make ahead: You can prep the dressing and chop the herbs a few hours in advance, but don't toss the salad until right before serving so the greens stay crisp.
Swap: If you don't have za'atar, a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and a pinch of sesame seeds makes a great substitute.
Tip: Letting the red onions sit in the lemon juice helps pickle them slightly, removing their harsh raw bite.