Sumac tomato salad is bright and tangy, tossed with sweet onions and fresh herbs in a zesty lemon and sumac dressing.

My pantry will never be without sumac, it has the most amazing zesty sour flavor. It’s widely used in Lebanese cooking and salads such as fattoush and tahini salad. You'll often find me dipping freshly cut veggies and fruit into it, it's unbelievably good!

This easy sumac tomato and onion salad is perfect for when I’m after something light and refreshing to pair with foods like various mujadara or tofu skewers.

a white plate filled with sliced tomato and onion salad with spices and seasoning on the side — I'm always down for juicy tomatoes dressed in sumac

Ingredients

The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.

Tomatoes – Use ripe yet firm tomatoes. I love thinly sliced wedges, but chopped chunks work just as well. Any variety is fine.

Onion – White or red onions both work. Thin slices are ideal. You could also try spring onions or shallots.

Fresh herbs – Finely chopped parsley and mint add a refreshing, traditional touch. I’ve also used dried mint when fresh isn’t available.

Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil – optional if you’re oil-free.
Fresh lemon juice – adds that clean acidity.
Sumac – the signature flavor. This tangy, ruby-red spice comes from the dried berries of the sumac bush. You’ll find it at any Middle Eastern grocer or buy sumac online.
Salt and pepper – to balance everything out.

All dressing ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste, which is based on basic Lebanese vinaigrette dressing.

parsely, mint, red onion, tomato, oil, salt, pepper, sumac and lemon on a white bench

Janelle’s Tips

If your onions are strong, soak them in a bit of water with lemon juice for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness.
This salad is best served fresh, but if storing, keep it in the fridge and enjoy within a day before the tomatoes lose their texture.

a white plate filled with tomato and onion slices with green herbs and dressing

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

Recipe