Herby Feta Frittata & Fruit Salad: Arabic Summer Recipes 2026

Discover the vibrant flavors of Sami Tamimi's Arabic summer recipes, featuring a herby feta frittata (known as ijeh) and a knockout fruit and rocket salad. These dishes are designed for warm-weather dining, perfect for enjoying at room temperature or even cold the next day. With fresh herbs, crumbled feta, and a burst of fruit, these recipes bring the essence of Palestinian home cooking to your table.

Why These Arabic Summer Recipes Are Perfect for Hot Days

When the temperature rises, heavy meals lose their appeal. Instead, you crave something light, fresh, and full of flavor. Sami Tamimi's recipes deliver exactly that. The courgette and feta ijeh is a Palestinian herb frittata that’s crisp on the edges and soft in the center, while the fruit and rocket salad adds a refreshing sweetness with a peppery kick. Together, they make a balanced, satisfying meal that doesn’t weigh you down.

The Magic of Ijeh: A Palestinian Herb Frittata

Ijeh is a beloved dish in Palestinian cuisine, often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s made with eggs, generous handfuls of fresh herbs, onions, and fragrant spices. The key is to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated courgettes to achieve the perfect texture—crispy outside, tender inside. Serve it with cool mint yoghurt for a delightful contrast.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Herby Feta Frittata

• 2 large courgettes (about 700g), grated
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small onion and 3 spring onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 25g flat-leaf parsley and 20g fresh dill, chopped
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 200g feta, crumbled
• 100g plain flour and 1 tsp baking powder
• Olive oil, salt, and black pepper

For the Mint Yoghurt

• 300g Greek-style yoghurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed
• ¼ tsp dried mint and ¼ tsp Aleppo chilli flakes
• ⅓ tsp salt

Step-by-Step Method for a Perfect Ijeh

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/390°F/gas 6. Line a 26cm round baking dish with parchment paper. Grate the courgettes, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes. Then, use a clean tea towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this step is crucial for a non-soggy frittata.

In a large bowl, combine the squeezed courgettes with the chopped red pepper, onions, garlic, parsley, dill, beaten eggs, and crumbled feta. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then season with black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for about 45–50 minutes, until golden and set. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

The Knockout Fruit and Rocket Salad

This salad is a celebration of summer produce. It pairs juicy fruits like peaches, nectarines, or berries with peppery rocket, thinly sliced red onion, and a tangy dressing. The sweetness of the fruit balances the sharpness of the onion and the bitterness of the rocket, creating a harmonious side dish that complements the frittata beautifully.

How to Assemble the Salad

Simply arrange a bed of fresh rocket on a platter. Top with sliced fruit, red onion rings, and a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for crunch. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Season with salt and pepper, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley.

Comparison: Ijeh vs. Traditional Frittata

Key Takeaways for Your Summer Cooking

• Ijeh is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Squeezing moisture from courgettes is essential for the right texture.
• Mint yoghurt adds a cooling element that balances the frittata’s richness.
• The fruit and rocket salad is quick to assemble and full of seasonal flavors.
• Both recipes are perfect for meal prep—they taste great cold the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Sami Tamimi’s Summer Recipes

These Arabic summer recipes are more than just meals—they’re an invitation to slow down and savor the season. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening, the herby feta frittata and fruit salad will impress with their simplicity and depth of flavor. Try them today and bring a taste of Palestine to your summer table.