Tomato, Celery & Lettuce Salad

Sometimes the simplest salad is exactly what a meal needs. This one keeps it to three crisp vegetables, ripe tomatoes, crunchy celery, and shredded iceberg lettuce, tossed together for plenty of fresh, juicy crunch.

What lifts it above a plain green salad is za’atar, the tangy, herby Middle Eastern blend of thyme, sesame, and sumac. Sprinkled over the top with a drizzle of good olive oil, it adds a savory, lemony, nutty note that makes the whole bowl interesting. Plain dried thyme works too if you don’t have za’atar.

Slicing the lettuce into thin ribbons gives the salad a nice texture and makes it easy to eat.

It comes together in minutes and pairs with just about anything, from grilled meats to a simple sandwich.

Variations

• Add cucumber, red onion, or bell pepper for more crunch.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar for extra brightness.
• Crumble feta or scatter olives on top for a Mediterranean-style salad.