Turkish Shepherd's Salad (Çoban Salatası)
Turkish Shepherd's Salad, or Çoban Salatası, is a refreshing and vibrant salad originating from Turkey. Traditionally enjoyed as a side dish, this salad highlights the crispness of fresh vegetables, the brightness of lemon, and the depth of extra virgin olive oil. Its name, meaning 'Shepherd's Salad,' reflects its rustic and humble origins in Anatolian villages, where shepherds would combine simple, fresh ingredients for a quick meal.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Serving platter
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups heirloom tomatoes diced into small pieces
- 1 medium cucumber diced, preferably Persian or English cucumber
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese optional but recommended
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil high quality, preferably cold-pressed
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp sumac adds a tangy, citrusy flavor
- ½ tsp sea salt to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the red onion, parsley, and mint.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables and herbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 517mgPotassium: 445mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2421IUVitamin C: 67mgCalcium: 137mgIron: 1mg
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