Traditional Bulgarian Shopska Salad

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cucumbers, diced 2 cucumbers, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
5. 5.
   Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Cucumbers — English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work well in this recipe. If using regular cucumbers, remove the seeds before dicing.
• Feta cheese — Opt for high-quality feta cheese for its creamy and tangy taste. You can also try Bulgarian feta cheese for an authentic touch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a sprinkle of dried oregano or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing.
• To make the salad more substantial, you can add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas.
• Adjust the amount of dressing according to your preference. Some prefer a lighter dressing, while others enjoy a more generous amount.
• Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for a beautiful presentation.
• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftovers for up to 24 hours.

Serving advice

Serve the Shopska Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats, such as kebabs or sausages. It also makes a delicious light lunch or dinner when paired with crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the diced vegetables in a colorful and visually appealing manner. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the top, and garnish with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill.