• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Kathy's Vegan Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Categories
    • Vegan Entrees
    • Breakfast
    • Sandwiches
    • Small Bites
    • Vegan Desserts
    • Sauces, Dips & Dressings
    • Vegan Sides
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • How-To
    • Our Vegan Life
  • Vegan Reviews
    • Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service
    • Purple Carrot Review
    • Veestro Review
    • Fresh N’ Lean Review
  • About
  • TOP 50 EBOOK
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • COOKBOOK
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • SUBSCRIBE!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Vegan Salads

    Israeli Salad

    Published: Mar 4, 2024 · Modified: Sep 24, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

    6.0K shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Israeli salad is a chopped salad packed with vibrant vegetables, chickpeas, and fresh herbs in an oil-free lemony dressing. I make this Israeli salad recipe and eat it all week long!

    Israeli salad in a bowl on the counter.

    Israeli salad is a chopped salad of finely diced tomato, onion, cucumber, and bell or chili peppers. Of course, I included a little extra vegetable love in this Israeli salad recipe. Since I pride myself on a unique recipe twist, this oil-free version explodes with flavor. 

    Jump to:
    • Israeli Salad Ingredients
    • Israeli Salad Ingredient Substitutions
    • Salad Dressing Ingredients
    • Salad Dressing Ingredient Substitutions
    • How to Make Israeli Salad
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • More Fabulous Vegan Salad Recipes to Enjoy!
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    I always include a series of salads whenever I plan my weekly menus. Including salads in daily meals provides nutrient-dense foods that aid digestion and nutrition. But, then, have some protein-rich chickpeas, and this Israeli salad scores high on my list. 

    Although most Israeli salads include oil as the dressing, my oil-free version packs fresh flavors! So, let's make an incredible earthy salad for your next gathering. 

    Israeli Salad Ingredients

    Chopped red onion, tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, red bell peppers, and cucumber on a cutting board.
    • English Cucumber: English cucumbers have fewer seeds and are more sturdy than regular cucumbers.
    • Red Onion: Red onion is sweet with a less harsh oniony flavor profile.
    • Grape Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes contain fewer seeds and are firmer in texture than other tomatoes.
    • Red Bell Pepper: Red bell bel is sweet with vibrant color for the Israeli salad.
    • Yellow Bell Pepper: Yellow bell peppers are also sweet and add another beautiful color to the salad.
    • Chickpeas: Chickpeas are the protein for this lettuce-free salad.

    Israeli Salad Ingredient Substitutions

    • Persian cucumbers are similar to English cucumbers regarding firmness and fewer seeds. If you only have regular cucumbers, I recommend removing the seeds so the salad ingredients don't get soggy.
    • Yellow onion is a mild onion to replace red onions in salads.
    • Cherry tomatoes, or snacking tomatoes, have fewer seeds. Again, the goal is to include only a few seeds, which often contribute to sogginess.
    • Any color of bell peppers works in this salad. Baby bell peppers come in a variety of colors.
    • Instead of chickpeas, consider using a white bean like Northern or Cannellini.

    Salad Dressing Ingredients

    Two cut lemons, chopped mint and parsley on a cutting board.
    • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds an earthy, fresh flavor to the salad.
    • Mint: The mint is the key to the combination of ingredients in this Israeli salad recipe.
    • Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides a citrus flavor and an acid for the dressing.
    • Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a distinct tangy and slightly sweet flavor that lends itself well to many dishes.
    • Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper to taste

    Salad Dressing Ingredient Substitutions

    • A general rule of thumb for the dried-to-fresh herb ratio: Use one-third the amount of dried herb for the fresh herb called for in the recipe. For example, if you're converting fresh parsley to dried parsley in a recipe that calls for 1 Tablespoon of fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley instead.
    • If you don't have fresh lemon juice, bottled works well.
    • Balsamic vinegar is a substitute for red wine vinegar.

    How to Make Israeli Salad

    Serving Israeli salad in a bowl with a spoon in the bowl on the table.

    As you can imagine, this recipe is easy to prepare!

    1. First, I used my favorite kitchen gadget to chop the vegetables perfectly, my vegetable chopper, with a small blade.
    2. Next, add a can of chickpeas, a little red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and stir.  However, I recommend allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour for the flavors to enhance in the refrigerator. 
    3. Once chilled, stir the salad again and taste for additional salad and pepper for individual preference. 
    4. Now, serve as a side dish or a main salad entree. For additional protein, serve with grilled tempeh or grilled tofu. 

    Also, if you have extra salad, it makes for a fabulous lunch the next day. Even though the salad is dressed, it doesn't get soggy.

    Instead, the fresh herbs and lemon juice flavors heighten the vegetables' flavors without bogging them down. 

    You will love how fresh and satisfying this Israeli salad tastes! 

    Israeli salad recipe in a bowl on the table

    Recipe FAQs

    Why is it called an Israeli salad?

    It was adopted by Jewish immigrants to the Levant in the late 19th century, who found the locally grown Kirby cucumbers and tomatoes in a famous local salad. It was popularized in the kibbutzim, where the Jewish farmers had local fresh produce. The Israeli name Salad is used mainly outside of Israel.

    Does Israeli salad have lettuce?

    Traditional salad recipes do not include lettuce. Israeli salad is served as an independent side dish and accompaniment to an entree in Israeli restaurants and cafes. However, add lettuce if you choose.

    Are chickpeas a pea or a bean?

    A chickpea is also called a garbanzo bean, which can confuse whether these pint-sized veggies are peas or beans. Like other peas and beans, chickpeas are part of the plant family known as legumes. Technically, a chickpea is a pulse, the edible seed inside the pod of a legume plant.

    Tips

    • To have fresh lemon juice all year round, freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays when lemons are inexpensive and in season to use throughout the year.
    • If you don't like chickpeas, swap them for white beans.
    • Consider buying a vegetable chopper for quicker meal prep and help to chop.
    • The flavors of the ingredients in the salad develop over time, so allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour for the best results.
    • I make this salad and enjoy it all week long. It will stay fresh for 5 days in the refrigerator.

    So, get chopping and enjoy this wonderful Israeli salad! You will love this chopped salad recipe!

    More Fabulous Vegan Salad Recipes to Enjoy!

    • curried chickpea salad recipe
      Vegan Curried Chickpea Salad
    • 4th of July Recipes
      Vegan 4th of July Recipes
    • Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe
      Vegan Mexican Pasta Salad
    • Best Chickpea Egg Salad

    If you love this Israeli salad recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you.

    📖 Recipe

    Israeli Salad

    Israeli Salad

    Kathy Carmichael
    Israeli salad is a chopped salad packed with vibrant vegetables, chickpeas, and fresh herbs in an oil-free lemony dressing. Made ahead of time, the flavors in this Israeli salad enhance as it chills.
    4.91 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Israeli
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 124 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 English cucumber diced
    • 1 cup red onion diced
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes cut into small pieces
    • 1 red bell pepper diced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
    • ½ cup fresh Parsley chopped
    • ½ cup fresh Mint chopped
    • 2 lemons juiced + the zest of 1 lemon
    • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
    • 15 ounces chickpeas rinsed and drained (1 can)
    • Salt and Pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Dice all the vegetables the same size and transfer them to a large bowl.
    • Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Add the chickpeas to the chopped vegetables.
    • Juice both lemons and zest one of the lemons in a small bowl; add the red wine vinegar, garlic, and zest; stir and pour over vegetables.
    • Now, add the herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least an hour. so the flavors enhance.
    • Stir again before serving and taste to adjust salt and pepper.

    Video

    Notes

    • Also, if you have extra salad, it makes for a fabulous lunch the next day. Even though the salad is dressed, it doesn't get soggy.
    • Instead, the fresh herbs and lemon juice flavors heighten the vegetables' flavors without bogging them down. 
    • To have fresh lemon juice all year round, freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays when lemons are inexpensive and in the season to use throughout the year.
    • I make this salad and enjoy it all week long. It will stay fresh for 5 days in the refrigerator.
    • The flavors of the ingredients in the salad develop over time, so allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour for the best results.
    • For quicker meal prep and help to chop, consider buying a vegetable chopper.
    • If you don't like chickpeas, swap them for white beans.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 124kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 6gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 422mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1146IUVitamin C: 72mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 2mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

    Get FREE Recipes In Your Inbox :)

    I'll Send You New Recipes When I Post!

    Invalid email address
    We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Free Recipes On The Way! :)- Kathy

    More Vegan Salads

    • Vegan pineapple coleslaw
      Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw
    • Greek Potato Salad Recipes
      Easy Greek Potato Salad Recipe
    • Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
    • Citrus Salad Recipe
      Summer Citrus Salad Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.91 from 20 votes (19 ratings without comment)

      Did you make this recipe? Leave a reply below! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Hope

      March 07, 2024 at 8:06 am

      5 stars
      easy, fresh and delicious!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        March 07, 2024 at 11:55 am

        Hope, I'm so glad you enjoyed the salad. Thank you for taking the time to comment and rate the recipe. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    2. Shari

      December 07, 2022 at 6:35 pm

      Kathy, you have the most amazing and delicious recipes. Thank you for all your hard work at getting these out to us. Much appreciated!🙂😋

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        December 07, 2022 at 7:41 pm

        Hi Shari, thank you so much. I appreciate your feedback and am so glad you are enjoying the recipes. Feel free to let me know if you try other recipes; I would love to hear from you.

        Reply
    3. Denise Deckard

      December 07, 2022 at 12:00 pm

      This last one was delicious!! (Israeli salad) I have been following Kathy for several months now. All of her receipts have been fabulous! Another 5-star Kathy!!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        December 07, 2022 at 12:15 pm

        Hi Denise, thank you so much for the feedback and review. I'm glad you liked the Israeli salad.

        Reply
    4. Jo-Anne

      December 07, 2022 at 8:15 am

      This is a favorite and great for pot luck dinners. Usually make in summer with the mint is outside my door and parsley a few steps further away. Good anytime of the year!
      I don't see a place to rate 5 stars but it surely is!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        December 07, 2022 at 11:55 am

        Hi Jo-Anne, thank you so much! I appreciate your feedback.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Kathy! I love creating delicious whole foods plant-based recipes. I believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet!

    More about me →

    Light and Delicious Vegan Spring Food Recipes

    • vegan zucchini pasta recipe
      Vegan Zucchini Pasta Recipe
    • BBQ Jackfruit Recipe
      BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
    • tofu burger recipe
      Simple Tofu Burger Recipe
    • Thai noodle salad
      Vegan Thai Noodle Salad
    • Cold Green Bean Salad
    • zucchini noodle salad recipe
      Fresh Summer Zucchini Noodle Salad

    Top 50 Recipes Cookbook

    Popular Vegan Dishes

    • vegans tir fry recipe
      The Best Vegan Stir Fry
    • mango salad
      Simple Mango Kale Salad
    • lentil meatloaf
      The Best Vegan Meatloaf
    • vegan chicken salad
      Best Vegan Chicken Salad
    • easy bean salad recipe
      Bean Salad With Oil Free Dressing
    • vegan drunken noodles recipe
      Easy Vegan Drunken Noodles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Affiliate Policy

    Cookbook

    • My Top 50 Recipe Cookbook!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Made with ♥️ in Arizona.

    Copyright © Kathy's Vegan Kitchen :)

    5971 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.