Recipe

Turkish-Style Caesar Salad

Sultan's Delight: Turkish-Inspired Caesar Salad

4.5 out of 5

In Turkish cuisine, fresh and vibrant salads are a staple. This Turkish-style Caesar salad combines the classic flavors of the original American dish with a touch of Turkish influence. With a delightful blend of crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and flavorful toppings, this salad is a refreshing addition to any Turkish meal.

Salad› Caesar Salad

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Turkish cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

5 minutes (toasting pita bread)

Total time

20 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free pita bread), Low-carb (if omitting pita bread)

Allergens

Wheat (if using regular pita bread), Dairy (yogurt and Parmesan cheese)

Not suitable for

Vegan (due to the use of yogurt and Parmesan cheese), Dairy-free (due to the use of yogurt and Parmesan cheese)

Ingredients

While the original Caesar salad is typically made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing, the Turkish adaptation incorporates traditional Turkish ingredients and flavors. The dressing is infused with yogurt and lemon juice, and the salad is garnished with sumac, a popular Turkish spice. Additionally, the croutons are replaced with toasted pita bread for a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Caesar Salad, so you can check it out.

2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces 2 heads of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 cup (235 ml) plain yogurt 1 cup (235 ml) plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
4 pita breads, toasted and cut into small squares 4 pita breads, toasted and cut into small squares
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon sumac 1 tablespoon sumac
Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
2.
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, toasted pita bread squares, grated Parmesan cheese, and sumac.
3.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4.
Garnish the salad with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh parsley.
5.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Pita bread — Make sure to toast the pita bread until it is crispy and golden brown for added texture in the salad.

Tips & Tricks

For a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of mayonnaise to the yogurt dressing.
Experiment with different toppings such as roasted red peppers or olives to add a Turkish twist to the salad.
To make the salad more filling, you can add cooked chickpeas or kidney beans.
If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a pinch of paprika or chili powder for a hint of spice.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-style Caesar salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or kebabs. It pairs well with traditional Turkish bread such as lavash or simit.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and sumac to shine through. Sprinkle some additional sumac and chopped parsley on top for an extra pop of color.