Albanian Poparena Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cucumbers, sliced 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 200g (7oz) poparena cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) poparena cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and poparena cheese.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and cheese, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. 4.
   Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Poparena cheese — Make sure to crumble the cheese into small pieces to evenly distribute its creamy texture throughout the salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add some olives or fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the salad.
• If poparena cheese is not available, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a similar tangy flavor.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice in the dressing according to your taste preferences.
• To make the salad more substantial, you can add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas.
• Serve the salad as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.

Serving advice

Albanian Poparena Salad is best served chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities. It can be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light and healthy lunch option. Garnish with a sprig of fresh oregano or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To present the salad beautifully, arrange the colorful vegetables and poparena cheese on a large platter. Drizzle the dressing over the top and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve the salad in individual bowls or on small plates to showcase its vibrant colors.