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Libyan Spicy Tomato and Cucumber Salad_001

Libyan Spicy Tomato and Cucumber Salad

This vibrant and refreshing salad combines the crispness of cucumbers with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, all brought to life with a kick of Libyan spices. It's a dish that can start your meal off with a burst of flavor or act as a lively side to your main course.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Mezze, Sides
Cuisine Libyan, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium tomatoes about 1 lb or 450g, diced
  • 2 medium cucumbers about 1 lb or 450g, diced
  • 1 medium red onion about 5 oz or 140g, finely chopped
  • 1 small green chili such as jalapeño, about 1 oz or 28g, seeded and minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 60ml
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Begin by prepping your vegetables. Dice the tomatoes and cucumbers into uniform pieces and finely chop the red onion. For a milder salad, you can rinse the chopped onion under cold water to reduce its pungency.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and ground coriander to create the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Add the minced green chili to the bowl, adjusting the quantity to your preferred spice level.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
  • Finally, fold in the fresh mint and parsley until evenly distributed throughout the salad.
  • Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

For an authentic Libyan touch, serve with warm flatbread.
The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chili.
To add a protein, consider topping the salad with crumbled feta cheese or sliced grilled chicken.
Keyword Healthy Salad, Libyan Salad, Mediterranean Diet, Spicy Tomato Cucumber Salad