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Middle Eastern Syrian Salad

Name: Middle Eastern Syrian Salad 🥗
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 6 cups romaine (chopped); 1 large tomato (chopped); 4 white radishes (thinly sliced); 1 red pepper (diced); 1 peeled cucumber (chopped); 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1/4 cup chopped mint (or 2 tablespoons dried mint); 1 lemon (juiced ); 2 cloves garlic (grated/crushed); 4 teaspoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons za'atar; salt and pepper to taste

Updated: Mar 22, 2020 / Published: Apr 17, 2018by Liz DellaCroceJump to Recipe

This flavorful Middle Eastern Syrian Salad is dressed in lemon juice, fresh garlic, olive oil, and mint.

Considering the theme of The Lemon Bowl, it is probably no surprise that my favorite and the most common salad contains all of my favorite ingredients: lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. This is, of course, the basis of a Syrian (or Lebanese) salad.

I grew up shadowing my Great Aunt Vieve as she would prepare this delicious, fresh and addictive salad. Dressing the salad directly on the greens, I sat in awe as she seasoned, tested and adjusted. No measuring, no teaspoons, just instinct. Utensils were nowhere in sight. Instead, she would simply use her hands (your greatest tool in the kitchen) to gently toss the salad, being careful not to bruise the lettuce and herbs.

Although I have no proof, I am a firm believer that my Great Aunt Vieve lived a long and healthy life due to the daily consumption of raw garlic. (Cooked whole garlic has very little, if any, medicinal benefits.) Not to brag, but I may or may not have written a research paper about the health benefits of garlic for my International Cuisine elective at Boston University. Shocker.

When consuming a rainbow of produce, don’t forget about the allium (or white) family which includes garlic, onions, scallions, etc. Chopping, mincing, crushing and grating garlic is the perfect way to release the essential oils and increase the flavor profile of any dish.

Why should you eat raw garlic?

Contains anti-oxidant properties and is a source of selenium
Lowers blood pressure
Prevents blood clots and thus reduces the risk of stroke
Reduces the risk of cancer, especially in the digestive system
Lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol
Helps regulate blood sugar levels

What’s in a Lebanese (Syrian) salad?

A typical Lebanese salad is very simple and contains romaine, cucumber, and tomato. My husband doesn’t eat cucumbers or tomatoes so our typical salad will also include red peppers and radishes. This week at the Farmer’s Market I bought the white, spicy radishes but you could add anything you wish – carrots, celery, yellow peppers, red leaf, you name it. Heck, this dressing would be delicious on roasted cauliflower. Whatever you do, don’t forget the raw garlic!

Does dried or fresh mint matter?

Dried mint works really well during the non-growing season! Either one works!!

Your fork is waiting.

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