The Tunisian salad, Slata Tounsia, is a vibrant dish featuring a mix of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. This traditional recipe reflects the rich culinary heritage of Tunisia, blending Mediterranean flavors and influences from North African cuisine. Slata Tounsia is not just a salad but a symbol of Tunisia's diverse cultural tapestry, celebrated for its simplicity, freshness, and delicious taste.

Ingredients:

- 3 large tomatoes, diced

- 1 cucumber, diced

- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

- 1/2 cup pitted black olives

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- Juice of 1 lemon

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)

Method:

- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, and black olives.

- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the salad.

- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

- Toss the salad gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

- Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves if desired.

- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing twist. Enjoy your delicious Tunisian Slata!

Nutrition Value:

3 large tomatoes, diced:

  - Calories: Approximately 60 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 14 grams

  - Protein: Around 3 grams

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Less than 10 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, manganese, and folate

benefit: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote heart health.

1 cucumber, diced:

  - Calories: Approximately 16 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 4 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Less than 2 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium

benefit: Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, while providing essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and hydration.

1 small red onion, thinly sliced:

  - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 7 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Less than 2 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and manganese

benefit: Red onions are packed with antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties, supporting heart health and immune function.

1/2 cup pitted black olives:

  - Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 4 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: Around 6 grams (mostly monounsaturated fats)

  - Sodium: About 400 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and vitamin A

  - Minerals: Rich in iron and copper

benefit: Black olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants, contributing to heart health and reducing inflammation.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: About 28 grams (mostly monounsaturated fats)

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols

benefit: Extra virgin olive oil is a source of healthy fats, promoting heart health and providing antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Juice of 1 lemon:

  - Calories: Approximately 4 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 1 gram

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: About 1 milligram

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium

benefit: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune function and digestive health.

Salt and pepper to taste:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Depends on the amount added

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

benefit: Salt adds flavor to the dish, while pepper may have mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin K and vitamin C (parsley), or vitamin A and vitamin C (mint)

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and calcium (parsley), or potassium and magnesium (mint)

benefit: Fresh herbs like parsley or mint add vibrant flavor and provide additional vitamins and minerals to the salad.