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Tzatziki VII
Pantry Middle Eastern

Tzatziki VII

4.3

Prep
15 min
Cook
Total
255 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place the yogurt in a large square of double cheesecloth. Tie the cheesecloth at the top and let any excess liquid drain for about 4 hours.
  2. 2 Peel cucumbers; remove seeds with a spoon. Shred the cucumbers, then squeeze to drain excess liquid.
  3. 3 Peel and mince garlic.
  4. 4 In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Add yogurt, cucumbers and garlic and stir until evenly combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

By Patricia J

Lebanese Rubbed Salad
Lunch Middle Eastern

Lebanese Rubbed Salad

4.8

Prep
20 min
Cook
Total
20 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place the salad greens in a large bowl. Add the cucumber, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Feta cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss to blend. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil.
  2. 2 Using clean hands (all rings removed), rub the salad ingredients together for 2 minutes to thoroughly work the oil, vinegar, and seasonings into the greens.

By Katie Stewart

Masht-o Khiyaar (Persian Cucumber Salad with Sultanas and Walnuts)
Dinner Middle Eastern

Masht-o Khiyaar (Persian Cucumber Salad with Sultanas and Walnuts)

4.5

Prep
10 min
Cook
Total
90 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place yogurt into a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter and allow to drain, about 20 minutes. You should end up with about a cup of thick yogurt.
  2. 2 Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add walnuts, and toast while stirring until nuts start to turn golden brown and become fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Allow to cool.
  3. 3 Mix yogurt, sultanas, walnuts, dill, mint, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, add cucumber and toss to combine. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

By Afiyet_olson

Iraqi Sumac Salad (Summag Salad)
Lunch Middle Eastern

Iraqi Sumac Salad (Summag Salad)

5.0

Prep
15 min
Cook
Total
30 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Cut tomatoes lengthwise into quarters and gently give them a squeeze to remove some of the seeds and excess liquid. Slice the tomatoes thinly and place into a large bowl.
  2. 2 Cut cucumber into 1/4-inch pieces and add to the bowl. Cut onion into 1/4-inch slivers and add to the bowl with parsley. Sprinkle with sumac and salt and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 15 minutes for flavors to meld, the longer the better.
  3. 3 Add arugula to the bowl and drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Toss to coat and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately.

By France Cevallos

Toasted Buckwheat Tabbouleh
Dinner Middle Eastern

Toasted Buckwheat Tabbouleh

4.1

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Rinse buckwheat groats. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil, sprinkle in the buckwheat groats, and simmer until buckwheat is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and cool.
  2. 2 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onions and garlic until onion is translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  3. 3 Lightly toss cucumber, parsley, mint, lemon juice, and mixed herbs in a large salad bowl until thoroughly combined; stir in cooked buckwheat and onion mixture.

By Cassie

Middle Eastern Tomato Salad
Lunch Middle Eastern

Middle Eastern Tomato Salad

4.6

Prep
25 min
Cook
Total
25 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place diced cucumber into a colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt; allow to drain for about 15 minutes.
  2. 2 Toss drained cucumber with tomato, sweet onion, parsley, and mint. Drizzle salad with olive oil and fresh lemon juice; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.

By mjkitty96

Tabbouleh III
Side Dish Middle Eastern

Tabbouleh III

4.4

Prep
45 min
Cook
Total
285 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place cracked wheat in bowl and cover with 2 cups boiling water. Soak for 30 minutes; drain and squeeze out excess water.
  2. 2 In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, garlic, parsley, mint, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Toss again prior to serving.

By Katherine Denning

Cold Yogurt Soup (Abdoogh Khiar)
Lunch Middle Eastern

Cold Yogurt Soup (Abdoogh Khiar)

5.0

Prep
20 min
Cook
Total
25 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine yogurt, 2 teaspoons dried mint, and salt in a blender; purée with enough of the 2 cups water to create a smooth, thin soup. It will thicken somewhat when bread is added.
  2. 2 Divide cucumbers, ½ cup fresh mint, parsley, raisins, and walnuts among four bowls.
  3. 3 Divide yogurt mixture among four bowls.
  4. 4 Top with rose petals; add a few ice cubes to each bowl.
  5. 5 Tear bread into small pieces; add some to each bowl. Let bread soak before serving cold, 5 to 7 minutes.

By Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Farro Tabbouleh
Lunch Middle Eastern

Farro Tabbouleh

5.0

Prep
5 min
Cook
35 min
Total
220 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Bring water and farro to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until farro is tender, about 30 minutes. Drain; cool.
  2. 2 Combine parsley and mint in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl. Add farro, tomato, cucumber, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper; toss lightly. Refrigerate before servings, 3 to 4 hours.

By Kim's Cooking Now

Quinoa Tabbouleh
Side Dish Middle Eastern

Quinoa Tabbouleh

4.6

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature; fluff with a fork.
  2. 2 Meanwhile, combine olive oil, sea salt, lemon juice, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, carrots, and parsley in a large bowl; stir in cooled quinoa.

By SYNEVA B

Cucumber Tabbouleh
Side Dish Middle Eastern

Cucumber Tabbouleh

4.5

Prep
10 min
Cook
Total
130 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine bulgur and boiling water in a large bowl. Cover, and set aside to soak for 1 hour.
  2. 2 Add oil, lemon juice, onions, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumber; toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

By jen

Fatoosh
Lunch Middle Eastern

Fatoosh

4.7

Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Total
30 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. 2 Toast pitas 5 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until crisp. Remove from the oven, and break into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 3 In a large bowl, toss together toasted pita pieces, romaine lettuce, green onions, cucumber, and tomatoes.
  4. 4 In a small bowl, mix parsley, garlic, sumac powder, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and mint. Pour over pita mixture, and toss just before serving.

By Winna

Arabic Fattoush Salad
Lunch Middle Eastern

Arabic Fattoush Salad

4.7

Prep
25 min
Cook
5 min
Total
30 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry pita pieces in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Blot dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. 2 Combine cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, mint, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a large serving bowl. Gently toss salad with fried pita pieces. Grate feta cheese on top using a small cheese grater to serve.

By Sonja Taha

Coriander Tabbouleh Salad with Shrimp
Salad Middle Eastern

Coriander Tabbouleh Salad with Shrimp

4.1

Prep
30 min
Cook
Total
30 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place bulgur in a large bowl, and pour the boiling water and olive oil over it. Stir, cover, and let stand for 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. 2 When all of the water has been absorbed and the bulgur is tender, stir in the lemon juice, cucumber, green onions, parsley, and mint. Season with coriander, ginger, salt and pepper. Garnish with shrimp.

By Iron Chef Suzi-Q

Lebanese Fattoush (Bread Salad)
Salad Middle Eastern

Lebanese Fattoush (Bread Salad)

4.7

Prep
20 min
Cook
5 min
Total
26 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place pita bread on a baking sheet.
  2. 2 Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is a light brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool, 1 to 2 minutes. Break toasted bread into bite-size pieces.
  3. 3 Combine lettuce, radishes, cucumber, tomato, garlic, green onions, parsley, mint, and salt and pepper together in a bowl; toss until salad is well mixed.
  4. 4 Pour lemon juice, olive oil, and sumac into a salad dressing bottle with a lid; cover and shake until blended. Add dressing to salad and toss.
  5. 5 Garnish salad with toasted pita.

By cookie

Lebanese Fattoush
Lunch Middle Eastern

Lebanese Fattoush

4.3

Prep
60 min
Cook
Total
60 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Toss together the lettuce, cabbage, radish, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrot, corn, tomato, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, olive oil, pomegranate seeds, and pomegranate syrup in a large bowl.
  2. 2 Heat oil in a deep-fryer or saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry the pita breads until golden in color. Remove to cool on paper towels. Crush the bread into small pieces; sprinkle over the salad.

By 3azza

Danielle's Fattoush Salad
Dinner Middle Eastern

Danielle's Fattoush Salad

5.0

Prep
20 min
Cook
5 min
Total
25 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook and stir pita bread pieces in hot oil until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer bread pieces to a paper-towel lined plate.
  2. 2 Stir romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese, mint, and parsley together in a large bowl.
  3. 3 Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Greek seasoning, sumac, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl until completely combined. Pour olive oil mixture and pita bread pieces into lettuce mixture; toss to coat.

By daniellev14

Veggie Bulgur Salad (Kisir)
Salad Middle Eastern

Veggie Bulgur Salad (Kisir)

4.5

Prep
15 min
Cook
5 min
Total
40 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place bulgur in a bowl; stir in boiling water. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.
  2. 2 Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in chopped onion; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3 Drain bulgur and return it to the bowl. Add cooked onion, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, green and red bell peppers, green onions, parsley, mint, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses. Toss gently until the salad is thoroughly combined. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving.

By ahilgaz

Authentic Lebanese Fattoush
Side Dish Middle Eastern

Authentic Lebanese Fattoush

4.4

Prep
15 min
Cook
5 min
Total
20 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Make dressing: Stir together water and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice, garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. 2 Assemble salad: Combine lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, purslane, green onions, arugula, parsley, and mint in a large serving bowl. Toss with dressing and serve with toasted pita.

By George

Chicken Shawarma Salad
Dinner Middle Eastern

Chicken Shawarma Salad

5.0

Prep
10 min
Cook
35 min
Total
295 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cardamom, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and garlic in a blender or small food processor. Pulse to combine.
  2. 2 Measure 1/2 cup marinade into a bowl and set aside.
  3. 3 Pour the remaining marinade into a 1-gallon resealable bag and add chicken thighs. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible, seal, and refrigerate, at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. Chicken thighs should be in a single layer; turn the bag occasionally.
  4. 4 Stir tahini and honey into the bowl with the reserved marinade, cover, and refrigerate until ready to make the salad.
  5. 5 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and lightly oil a broiler pan.
  6. 6 Place onion slices on the oiled pan, and set chicken thighs on top of the onion slices.
  7. 7 Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn and continue roasting until chicken is longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 15 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Broil chicken thighs for 3 to 5 minutes for some caramelization, if desired.
  8. 8 Remove chicken from the oven, tent with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Slice each chicken thigh into 1/2- inch slices and coarsely chop cooked onion.
  9. 9 Dress 4 salad plates with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Add chicken slices and chopped onions. Stir dressing, drizzle over each salad, and serve.

By Bibi

Pearl Couscous Salad
Salad Middle Eastern

Pearl Couscous Salad

4.7

Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Total
60 min

Instructions

  1. 1 To make couscous: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir couscous in hot oil until toasted and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in water and bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until couscous is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse couscous under cold water in a colander, then transfer to a large serving bowl. Stir in remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until well coated.
  2. 2 Place lentils in a small pan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and rinse lentils under cold water in a colander; add to couscous.
  3. 3 To make the salad: Add tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, cranberries, raisins, red onion, chives, green onion, parsley, and sumac to couscous mixture.
  4. 4 To make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
  5. 5 Pour dressing over salad; stir until coated. Chill in the refrigerator until flavors blend before serving.

By Susan

Easy Baked Falafel with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce
Dinner Middle Eastern

Easy Baked Falafel with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

4.8

Prep
30 min
Cook
30 min
Total
60 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Coat a 9x13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray and 1 tablespoon olive oil and place inside the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). C
  2. 2 Combine chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, and baking powder in a food processor. Pulse until minced but not yet pasty. Transfer to a bowl and stir in flour and egg until fully incorporated.
  3. 3 Remove baking pan from the oven. Drop golfball-sized portions of chickpea mixture onto the hot pan.
  4. 4 Bake in the preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes. Brush falafel with remaining olive oil and flip over. Continue baking until golden on both sides, 15 to 20 minutes more.
  5. 5 Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  6. 6 Serve falafel with yogurt sauce.

By Wyome

Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Dinner Middle Eastern

Chicken Shawarma Wraps

5.0

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
265 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cinnamon, oregano, salt, nutmeg, and cloves in a plastic container or resealable bag. Add chicken strips and shake until ingredients are evenly combined and chicken is well coated. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, up to overnight.
  2. 2 When you are ready to make the sandwiches, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add marinated chicken, and sear until golden brown on both sides and no longer pink in the centers, 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness of the chicken pieces.
  3. 3 While the chicken is cooking, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl or small resealable container, stir well to blend. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
  4. 4 Once chicken is cooked and sauce is prepared, assemble sandwiches by dividing meat, lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes between your pita. Add a generous smear of the yogurt sauce (to your taste preference).

By Rebekah Rose Hills

Za'atar Chicken Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Dinner Middle Eastern

Za'atar Chicken Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

4.0

Prep
30 min
Cook
10 min
Total
70 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Mix 2 tablespoons lemon juice, olive oil, za'atar, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a gallon-sized plastic zip-top bag. Add chicken tenders and refrigerate, turning occasionally, 30 minutes to 12 hours.
  2. 2 Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  3. 3 Place chicken tenders on the grate, reduce heat to medium, and cover. Grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a tender registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), 4 to 5 minutes per side.
  4. 4 Remove chicken from grill and let rest. Prepare the salad in the meantime; place romaine pieces in a large bowl and add tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot.
  5. 5 Combine lemon zest and juice, tahini, water, garlic, and date in the bowl of a mini food processor or a blender. Pulse several times, adding water by tablespoons if necessary, until desired consistency is achieved. Season with salt and pepper. Pour dressing into the salad bowl and toss.
  6. 6 Divide salad between plates. Slice each chicken tender crosswise into 1/4-inch slices and place over the salads. Garnish with chives and mint.

By Bibi