Turkish Tomato Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This isn’t just any salad—it’s a celebration of fresh, juicy tomatoes, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy-sweet kick from pomegranate molasses. Every bite is a perfect balance of bright acidity, subtle sweetness, and a hint of spice.
Inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine, this salad is a staple at gatherings, served alongside grilled meats, warm bread, or even as a light, flavorful meal on its own. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love Turkish Tomato Salad
Is this Turkish Tomato Salad for you? Let’s see. Turkish Tomato Salad is…
- Fresh & vibrant – Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes.
- Easy to make – Just chop, mix, and serve. No cooking required!
- Tangy & nutty – Pomegranate molasses and walnuts create a perfect balance of flavors.
- Versatile – Pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or simply a piece of warm pita.
- A Mediterranean classic – Brings a taste of Turkey right to your kitchen.
Ingredients in Turkish Tomato Salad
Tomatoes: The star of the dish! Use cherry, plum, or large tomatoes for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Green Pepper: Adds a mild heat and crunch. Turkish or Anaheim peppers work best.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet contrast to the tomatoes.
Pomegranate Molasses: This tangy, slightly sweet syrup gives the salad its signature flavor.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness of the dish.
Sumac: A Middle Eastern spice that adds a tart, lemony note.
Salt & Black Pepper: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Walnuts: Crunchy and nutty, they add texture and depth to the salad.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Tomatoes: Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, simply halve them.
Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the green pepper and red onion for a delicate crunch.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, sumac, salt, and black pepper.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes, green pepper, and red onion with the dressing until evenly coated.
Add the Walnuts: Gently fold in the walnut pieces for a satisfying crunch.
Let it Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve fresh as a side dish, with grilled meats, or as a standalone appetizer.
How to Serve Turkish Tomato Salad
- With Warm Pita: Scoop it up with fresh pita bread for a light yet satisfying bite.
- Alongside Grilled Meats: Perfect with kebabs, grilled chicken, or lamb.
- With Cheese: Pair it with feta or labneh for a creamy contrast.
- As a Mezze Dish: Serve it as part of a Mediterranean spread with hummus and baba ganoush.
- On Its Own: Enjoy it as a simple, refreshing salad on a warm day.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Tips & Variations
- Use the freshest tomatoes – The riper, the better! They should be juicy and full of flavor.
- Adjust the tanginess – Add more or less pomegranate molasses to taste.
- Toast the walnuts – Lightly toasting them enhances their nutty flavor.
- Add herbs – Fresh parsley or mint adds even more Mediterranean flair.
- For extra spice – Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts
Turkish Tomato Salad is the kind of dish that transports you straight to a sunny terrace in Istanbul, surrounded by the aroma of grilled meats and fresh bread. It’s simple, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Ready to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table? Let’s get chopping!
Turkish Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 lbs tomatoes cherry, plum, or large
- 1 green pepper Anaheim or Turkish, thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pomegranate molasses
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground sumac
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup walnut pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Cherry tomatoes: Halve them.
- Plum or large tomatoes: Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the Vegetables:
- Cut green pepper into thin rings.
- Slice red onion into thin half-moons.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, sumac, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange the tomatoes on a platter.
- Top with pepper and onion slices.
- Sprinkle with walnut pieces.
- Drizzle with pomegranate dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Make it heartier by adding feta or goat cheese crumbles.
- Use toasted walnuts for a richer taste.
