Egyptian Salata Baladi | Tomato & Cucumber Salad

Egyptian Salata Baladi | Tomato & Cucumber Salad

Egyptian salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of Egyptian cuisine. This salad is a staple in many Egyptian meals, often served alongside dishes like molokhia or kebab. The combination of fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, is enhanced with a tangy dressing made of white vinegar, lime juice, and a touch of dried mint. It's known for its bright, crisp flavors, and in Egypt, it's affectionately referred to as the country's "national salad."

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Ingredients

(Seasonings should be added to taste.)

• 1 red onion

• sea salt

• white vinegar

• 6 mini cucumbers

• 3-4 tomatoes

• 2 jalapenos (optional)

• fresh parsley

• juice of 3 limes

• black pepper

• dried mint leaves

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Instructions

Preparing the Onion

Start by finely dicing the red onion. Transfer it to a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Pour white vinegar over the onions, just enough to halfway cover them. Mix well to ensure the flavors start to blend. The combination of sea salt and vinegar will help reduce the harsh raw onion taste, making it more flavorful and mild.

Assembling the Salad

Next, dice the mini cucumbers and tomatoes, then add them to the bowl with the onions. For some extra heat, finely dice the jalapenos and add them as well. Chop fresh parsley and toss it in with the rest of the ingredients. Squeeze in the juice of three limes and season with black pepper for an extra zing.

Adding the Final Touches

For the final touch, add the dried mint leaves. Roll them between your hands to release their oils before adding them to the salad. Once everything is in the bowl, give it a good mix to combine all the flavors.

The Salad "Whiskey"

This salad will create a pinkish dressing as it sits. In Egyptian culture, it's called “salad whiskey.” You can either pour it into a cup to enjoy separately or keep it in the bowl and sip it as a refreshing drink!