Low-Carb Sumac Salad

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This Low-Carb Sumac Salad is a delicious medley of crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and salty feta cheese, all brilliantly elevated by a tangy sumac vinaigrette. A low-carb spin on a more traditional recipe from the Middle East, this salad pulls out all the stops in terms of flavor and texture.

Aerial view of sumac salad on a black serving plate over a white marble surface.

Simple & Delicious Sumac Salad Recipe

Sumac is a popular Middle Eastern spice with a unique citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with side salads and meat dishes. I love to use it as a flavor enhancer in recipes like my Easy Labneh Salad, Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls, and Joojeh Kababs. It’s one of my favorite ways to add a little extra oomph to my meals.

According to the National Library of Medicine, sumac is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory spices. It’s also rich in antioxidants, vitamins (vitamin C, especially), and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. So not only is this sumac salad delicious, but the health benefits are off the charts!

This has to be my favorite salad right now. It has veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, which add freshness and crunch, fresh parsley for an herbaceous kick, and creamy feta cheese. And with the sumac olive oil dressing, every bite is an explosion of flavor.

A black serving plate of sumac salad over a white marble surface.

Why You’ll Love It

With sumac as the star ingredient, the flavor of the salad is top-notch!
A great option for a low-carb or keto-friendly meal or side.
Takes only 10 minutes to prepare.
Packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

Made with Fresh Ingredients

Persian cucumbers: My favorite cucumber for salads. They have the best crunch and don’t have as many seeds.
Red onion: Provides just the right amount of bite to the salad.
Tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a hint of sweetness.
Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor to this sumac salad.
Sumac: A staple spice in Middle Eastern cuisine, ground sumac is our main ingredient today. Just a sprinkle of sumac delivers a lot of citrusy flavor.
Feta cheese: Use crumbled feta or cut a block into small cubes.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the base of the vinaigrette.
Lemon Juice: Enhances the dressing with a bright, tart flavor.
Garlic: Adds depth of flavor to the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: My favorite vinegar to use in salad dressings. It has a slightly sweet taste and is good for digestion.
Salt: You might want to add a pinch of salt depending on your taste.

Substitutions

Cucumbers: If you can’t get a hold of Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers will work just fine. Use ½ English cucumber in place of 2-3 Persian cucumbers.

Tomatoes: Any variety of tomatoes will work in this recipe. Use grape or cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or use beefsteak tomatoes for a more meaty texture.

Honey: I also recommend using date syrup for a more authentic Middle Eastern flavor.

Vinegar: Don’t have apple cider vinegar? Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar will slightly differ in taste but will still work well in the dressing. You can also add more lemon juice instead.

How to Make Sumac Salad (3 Easy Steps!)

The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card.

Ingredients for sumac salad over a gray surface.

STEP 1 – PREP VEGGIES

To start, prep and cut your vegetables. Then add the cucumber, onion, tomatoes, chopped parsley, and sumac to a large salad bowl and toss until completely mixed.

STEP 2 – MAKE DRESSING

Next, combine the dressing ingredients in a mason jar or any glass jar with a lid. Shake to mix (or use an immersion blender), taste the dressing, and add a pinch of salt if needed.

STEP 3 – COMBINE & SERVE

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and that’s it! Serve and enjoy.

FAQ

What is sumac made of?

Sumac spice comes from the berries of the sumac plant (Rhus Coriaria), which is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of the Middle East. The berries are dried and ground into a fine powder to be used as a spice.

What does sumac taste like?

Sumac has a lemony flavor with a hint of tartness and earthiness. You only need to use a small amount to add a pop of flavor to your dishes.

Is this an authentic Armenian sumac salad?

No, this is my interpretation of an Armenian-style salad. I have added my own personal touches and substitutions to make it my own, but the flavors are inspired by traditional Armenian cuisine.

A traditional sumac salad is a bit more simple. It consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac spice.

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers and tomatoes may release some water, so just give it a good mix before serving again.

What to Serve with Sumac Salad

A fresh sumac salad would taste amazing with just about any Middle Eastern food.

I highly recommend pairing it with my Authentic Chicken Shawarma or Shish Taouk Recipe. The tangy flavors of the sumac salad will perfectly balance out the savory meats.

Close up of sumac salad on a black serving plate with salad spoons.

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Yield: 2-4 servings