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Side DishSaladLunch

Tunisian Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of Tunisia with this refreshing salad, a delightful medley of finely diced fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper, brightened by a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. This crisp, herbaceous dish offers a perfect balance of textures and makes an excellent light side or a healthy, satisfying meal on its own.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
35 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
130 kcal
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VeganVegetarianGluten-free
Tunisian Salad

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 1 pcscucumber, finely diced
  • 2 pcstomato, finely diced
  • 0.5 pcsgreen bell pepper, finely diced
  • 0.5 pcsred onion, finely diced
  • 0.25 cupfresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbspfresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 pcslemon, juiced
  • 3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper

Equipment

Large mixing bowl · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Small mixing bowl · Whisk · Measuring spoons · Measuring cups · Salad tongs (optional)

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Wash and thoroughly dry all fresh produce: cucumber, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Ensuring vegetables are dry helps the dressing adhere better and prevents a watery salad.

  2. 2

    Finely dice the cucumber, tomatoes, and green bell pepper into uniform, small pieces (approximately 1/4-inch cubes).

    About 7 min

    Cook’s note: Consistent dicing ensures each bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures, characteristic of a traditional Tunisian salad.

  3. 3

    Peel and finely dice the red onion into similarly small pieces.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: If you find red onion too pungent, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad. This mellows its flavor.

  4. 4

    Finely chop the fresh parsley and fresh mint, ensuring no large stems are included.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Use a sharp chef's knife for clean cuts that preserve the herbs' essential oils and prevent bruising.

  5. 5

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

    About 1 min

  6. 6

    In a small separate bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed; the lemon should be bright but not overpowering.

  7. 7

    Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the chopped vegetables and herbs in the large mixing bowl.

    About 1 min

  8. 8

    Gently toss all ingredients with a large spoon or salad tongs until every piece is well coated with the dressing.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Avoid over-tossing, which can bruise the delicate herbs and vegetables.

  9. 9

    Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, permitting the flavors to meld and deepen.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: This brief resting period is crucial for the vegetables to absorb the dressing and for the herbs to release their aromatic oils, enhancing the overall taste.

  10. 10

    Serve the Tunisian salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light, healthy meal.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
129.7kcal
Protein
1.7g
Carbs
9.4g
Fat
10.5g
Fibre
2.4g
Sugar
4.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Cook’s note:

This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like lamb or chicken, or alongside a hearty couscous dish. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese (if not strictly vegan) or a handful of toasted pine nuts. It's also fantastic served with warm pita bread for scooping. A dry rosé or a crisp white wine would complement this dish perfectly.

Storage

Store leftover Tunisian salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vegetables will soften slightly over time.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

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