15-Minute Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Herb Salad
A vibrant Mediterranean salad combining juicy Roma tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs with tangy feta cheese and sweet dates. The za'atar-tahini dressing adds Middle Eastern flair while capers provide briny pops of flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light lunch served with warm pita bread. The combination of textures and the balance of fresh herbs make this salad both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- pita chips
- 3 pita breads, cut into wedges
- 1 English cucumber, cut into 1 inch quarters
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes, quartered
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 1 package fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 3 oz capers, drained
- ½ small red onion, julienned
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 8 dates, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 Tbsp tahini
- 1 tsp za'atar seasoning
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp preserved lemons(optional)lemon zest1 tsp:1 tsp
fresh citrus flavor
Instructions
- 1
Combine olive oil, tahini, za'atar, lime juice, salt, and preserved lemons in a small mixing bowl and set aside
- 2
Reserve a few sprigs of dill and about 1/4 cup feta for garnish
- 3
Combine tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, remaining dill, capers, red onion, dates, and remaining feta in a large mixing bowl
- 4
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss until just combined
- 5
Garnish with reserved feta cheese and dill
- 6
Arrange salad in center of large board or platter with dressing on the side
- 7
Place pita bread wedges or pita chips around the outside and serve
Tips
Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after tossing to allow flavors to meld together
For extra crunch, toast the pita bread wedges in the oven until golden before serving
Good to Know
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Store dressing separately to prevent wilting.
Can prepare vegetables and dressing up to 4 hours ahead. Combine just before serving for best texture.
Serve immediately at room temperature with pita chips or warm pita bread.
Common Mistakes
Don't overdress the salad to avoid making vegetables soggy
Add salt gradually to avoid overpowering the fresh herb flavors
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this salad without the dates?
Yes, you can omit the dates or substitute with dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a different sweet element.
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad will keep for up to 2 days refrigerated, but it's best eaten within 24 hours for optimal texture and freshness.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of Roma?
Yes, any ripe tomatoes work well. Roma tomatoes are preferred for their firmer texture and fewer seeds, but beefsteak or cherry tomatoes are good alternatives.