Mediterranean Tomato & Onion Salad

This is the bright, herbaceous salad you’ll find at every Middle Eastern restaurant, the one that makes falafel sing.

Juicy tomato wedges, sweet Vidalia onions, scallions, fresh cilantro, and mint get tossed in a simple lemon-olive oil dressing spiked with garlic. Chill it for at least 15 minutes (or up to a day) and the flavors meld into something vibrant and addictive.

Serve it alongside grilled meats, scoop it into warm pita pockets with falafel, or pile it onto hummus for a fresh, crunchy contrast. It’s the kind of salad that makes you want to eat more vegetables.

Pro Tips

• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the sweetest flavor (summer tomatoes make this salad legendary)
• Sweet Vidalia onions are milder than regular onions (if you can’t find them, soak sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes)
• Chop the herbs just before using so they stay bright and fresh
• Make the dressing separately and toss right before serving to prevent soggy tomatoes
• Chill for at least 15 minutes but the salad gets better after a few hours

Variations

• Cucumber Addition: Add diced English cucumber for extra crunch and freshness
• Feta Topping: Crumble feta cheese over the top for creamy, salty richness
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing