31 December, 2020
Estimated Reading Time : 1 minute, 30 seconds
Salad is an essential dish in the cuisine of any country. Since they are mostly made with vegetables and some fruits, they are among the healthiest dishes, full of color and flavor that you will find.
In the Middle East, vegetables hold great importance in the diet, so salads and soups are common and eaten almost every day of the week. Luckily, there is a wide variety to choose from.
Below, we present the five most consumed salads in Arab countries. Some you may have tried at Lebanese restaurants, while others might surprise you.
- Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh or tabulé is the perfect side dish for falafel. In fact, at restaurants, they are often served together. It is a very fresh salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, onions, and lemon juice.
- Fattoush
This salad is particularly popular in Syria, where it is also known as "Fatush," meaning "stale bread". It is prepared with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, radish, onion, mint, parsley, lemon juice, and toasted bread cut into small pieces.
Its name comes from the fact that the combination of all ingredients causes the bread to become moist and absorb the flavors.
- Arab Salad
This dish is called "Arab Salad" because it is prepared in several Middle Eastern countries, but it did not have a specific name. It is one of the simplest and quickest to prepare.
The Arab salad includes cucumber, tomato, green bell pepper, onion, olive oil, pepper, and parsley.
- Orange and Onion Salad
This preparation is not as common in the West but is highly appreciated in the East for its freshness and flavor. The main ingredients are oranges, onions, olives, and cilantro, seasoned with cumin and lime juice.
- Carrot Salad
If you are one of those who appreciates the visual appeal of a dish before eating it, you will love this salad. It is made with carrots, parsley, garlic, and spices. Perfect for summer and hotter days.
Arab salads can be paired with meats and falafel to create a very nutritious and flavorful meal.
