Lali Salad with Cherries, Chili, and Cilantro

30 minutes

2-4 servings

Cherry salad with chili and cilantro atop a white plate and white background

Photo by Penny De Los Santos

Photo by Penny De Los Santos

In Israel, this salad is a culinary icon made popular by Habasta, a restaurant tucked into Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market. Nicknamed the “Lali salad” the recipe originated with chef, food writer, and TV personality Hila Alpert. As a child on kibbutz Ma’ale HaHamisha, Hila would play amongst the cherry trees and devour their fruit. Serve her salad alongside grilled meat or fish or at a summertime brunch. 

Read more about Hila’s story on the Jewish Food Society archive and find more Shavuot recipes here

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Place the cherries, cilantro, chili, garlic, salt, and olive oil into a mixing bowl. Stir well until all the ingredients are coated and dispersed evenly. 
  2. Serve cold.

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