Israeli Summer Salad

Israeli Summer Salad

2 medium roma tomatoes, cubed

One 1-pound English cucumber, cubed

1/2 medium red onion, cubed, or 4 scallions, finely sliced

3 tablespoons finely minced fresh, flat-leaf parsley

Juice of half a lemon

2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons sumac powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, parsley and sumac

For the Salad:

Place all of the other ingredients in a large bowl, pour the sumac mixture over the salad and toss to cover.

Other additions: 1/2 to 1 cup crumbled or cubed feta, 1 bell pepper, cut into cubes, 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained, 1/2 to 1 cup coarsely chopped olives, 1 to 2 tablespoons finely minced mint or dill or pita chips (see below). You could also whisk a couple tablespoons of tahini into the dressing for a thicker, sesame-coated flavor.

Pita Chips

We use pita chips for lots of things: hummus, other dips, tossing with the Israeli Salad at the last minute (so they don’t get soggy) or for scooping it up. I find it a relief to be able to eat crunchy, tasty chips without the deep-fat fried guilt.

6 large pitas, cut into eight wedges each, then each wedge split into two layers (for small chips) cut into six wedges and split

Olive oil cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

Flaky sea salt

1 tablespoon za’atar or sumac

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange all of the pita slices so they do not overlap. Either brush or spray with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and your spice of choice. Bake pita slices for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they begin to color. Let them cool completely before using, or bagging for later.