Recipe

Kurdish-Inspired Village Salad

Zesty Kurdish Village Salad: A Burst of Freshness from the Mountains

4.7 out of 5

This Kurdish-inspired village salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Kurdish cuisine. Packed with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing, this salad is a celebration of the bountiful produce found in Kurdish villages.

Salad› Horiatiki salata

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Asian cuisine› Arab cuisine› Levantine cuisine› Iraqi cuisine› Kurdish cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

45 minutes (including marinating time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Mediterranean, Low-carb, Keto-friendly

Allergens

Dairy (feta cheese)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Nut-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

While the original Greek Horiatiki salata typically includes ingredients like oregano and Greek olives, this Kurdish-inspired version incorporates sumac and Kurdish olives for a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, the dressing in the Kurdish version is made with lemon juice instead of vinegar, adding a tangy twist to the salad. We alse have the original recipe for Horiatiki salata, so you can check it out.

2 cucumbers, sliced (400g) 2 cucumbers, sliced (400g)
4 tomatoes, cut into wedges (600g) 4 tomatoes, cut into wedges (600g)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g) 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g)
1 red onion, thinly sliced (100g) 1 red onion, thinly sliced (100g)
200g feta cheese, crumbled 200g feta cheese, crumbled
100g Kurdish olives, pitted 100g Kurdish olives, pitted
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
Fat: 16g (10g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 12g (8g sugars)
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, red bell pepper, and red onion.
2.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and Kurdish olives to the bowl.
3.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.
4.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5.
Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6.
Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Kurdish-inspired village salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Cucumbers — Choose firm and crisp cucumbers for the best texture in the salad.
Tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the salad.
Feta cheese — Use high-quality feta cheese for its creamy and tangy taste.
Kurdish olives — Look for briny and flavorful Kurdish olives to add an authentic touch to the salad.
Sumac — Sumac is a tangy spice commonly used in Kurdish cuisine. It adds a unique flavor to the dressing. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
To make the salad more substantial, you can add some cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and sumac according to your taste preferences.
Serve the salad with warm Kurdish bread for a complete meal.
Make sure to marinate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Kurdish-Inspired Village Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or kebabs. It also pairs well with traditional Kurdish dishes like dolma or kofta.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle some extra crumbled feta cheese and sumac on top for an appealing garnish.