Best 2 Salaata Afghan Salad Recipes

**Salaata: A Refreshing Afghan Salad**

Salaata is a vibrant and refreshing Afghan salad, often served as a side dish or appetizer. It features a delightful combination of fresh, seasonal vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. This colorful dish not only pleases the palate but also offers a wealth of nutrients.

The main components of Salaata typically include crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tender spring onions, and aromatic cilantro. The vegetables are finely chopped, preserving their vibrant colors and textures. A generous sprinkling of fresh mint leaves adds a refreshing touch, while crushed garlic and ground cumin lend a subtle depth of flavor.

The salad is dressed with a simple yet flavorful mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The acidity of the lemon juice balances the sweetness of the vegetables, while the olive oil provides a rich, nutty flavor. A sprinkle of sumac, a tangy Middle Eastern spice, adds a unique sour note and a vibrant red hue to the salad.

Salaata is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The recipe provided in this article offers a classic version of the salad, but there are many variations that can be explored. For a heartier salad, consider adding cooked chickpeas or lentils. Roasted vegetables, such as eggplant or bell peppers, can also be incorporated for a smoky and flavorful twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper can elevate the salad's taste profile.

This article presents a collection of Salaata recipes, each offering a unique take on this Afghan specialty. From the classic recipe to variations that incorporate different vegetables, herbs, and spices, there's a Salaata recipe for every palate. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a vibrant appetizer, Salaata is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Afghanistan.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

AFGHAN TOMATO, CUCUMBER AND ONION SALAD (SALATA)

Afghan Tomato, Cucumber and Onion Salad (Salata) image

"Salata is always light and crunchy, making it a perfect counterpoint to Afghan cuisine's heavier dishes. Some Afghan cooks consider it a point of pride when the diced vegetables are small and uniform in size. The result reminds a little of a colorful bowl of confetti. For those in Afghanistan who can afford fresh vegetables, salata is a staple on the Afghan table. If you can't get your hands on any decent tomatoes, hang onto the recipe until you can." Modified recipe off http://www.afghancooking.net by Humaira Ghilzai and Katie Morford.

Provided by UmmBinat

Categories Onions

Time 15m

Yield 1 salad, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

3 medium tomatoes, diced
3 baby cucumbers, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
1 small sweet onion, diced
3/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro (1 small bunch)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (to taste)
1 teaspoon salt, to taste

Steps:

Combine all of the ingredients and toss well.
Chill.
Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60.6, Fat 0.5, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 592.7, Carbohydrate 14.3, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 7.2, Protein 2.6

SALAATA (AFGHAN SALAD)

Salaata (Afghan Salad) image

A popular salad in Afghanistan, it's made up of tomatoes, onion, cucumbers, radishes, lemon, cilantro and salt. I like to add just a little drizzle of honey in the dressing.From Afghan cooking.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 whole tomatoes, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, washed, chopped (1/2-3/4 cup)
1 lemon, juice of
drizzle honey (optional)
1 -2 medium cucumber
2 -3 radishes
salt

Steps:

Chop tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Mix these together in a bowl.
Juice one lemon and pour the juice over the top of the tomato, onion, and cilantro. Add honey now if using.
You can also add chopped cucumbers, as well as radishes.
Sprinkle with salt (to taste) a good pinch and toss the salad.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow all the juices to mix together.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 39.6, Fat 0.3, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 10.3, Carbohydrate 9.4, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 4.5, Protein 1.7

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
Cut your vegetables evenly. This will help them cook evenly and look more appealing.
Don't overcook the vegetables. You want them to be crisp-tender, not mushy.
Use a variety of colors and textures in your salad. This will make it more visually appealing and interesting to eat.
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make Afghan salad. Feel free to add or remove ingredients to suit your taste.

Conclusion:

Afghan salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, Afghan salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.