Domates Salatası (Turkish Tomato Salad)

Domates Salatası is a Turkish Tomato Salad perfect for the summer growing season. Tomatoes are diced and tossed with onions and mint. The mixture is then seasoned with an olive oil lemon dressing. There are several variations based on the region and family. Some recipes also include green pepper or feta cheese. Others add additional herbs such as basil and parsley. I included a cucumber, because I have seen it in some salads and like the additional texture.

I used medium vine-riped tomatoes, but feel free to add some color by using a mixture of heirlooms or even cherry or grape tomatoes.

Sumac is a spice made from the berries of the sumac bush and is common in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. It is available in berry or ground form. Sumac has a lightly bitter, lemony taste and a deep brownish red hue. There are no good substitutes for the flavor. I have been able to find it in the specialty section of some ethnic grocery stores and the spice section of Williams-Sonoma and recently at Whole Foods. Watch the ingredient list and color of sumac. It should be a deep red. Bright red spices may have added coloring and some have added salt. It is also available of Amazon: Sumac 4.0 oz by Zamouri Spices.

Domates Salatası (Turkish Tomato Salad)
Adapted from Turkish Food Passion
Serves 3-4

4 medium tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 small shallot, sliced
1/4 cup freshly chopped mint
3/4 teaspoon sumac
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Dice the tomatoes and add to a medium bowl. If desired, peel the cucumber. Cut in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scrape out the seeds. Dice the cucumber and add to the tomatoes. Mix in the sliced shallots and mint.

In a small bowl, whisk together sumac, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pour over the tomato mixture and toss to the coat.

Serve immediately.