Recipe
Traditional Bulgarian Shopska Salad
The Vibrant Medley: Bulgarian Shopska Salad
4.4 out of 5
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Bulgarian cuisine with this traditional Shopska Salad recipe. Bursting with vibrant colors and a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, this salad is a beloved staple in Bulgarian households.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
N/A (This recipe does not require cooking)
Total time
15 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Low-carb, Mediterranean, Weight loss-friendly
Allergens
Dairy (feta cheese)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Nut-free
Ingredients
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4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
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2 cucumbers, diced 2 cucumbers, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled
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Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
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3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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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
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1.In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion.
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2.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
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3.Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
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4.Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
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5.Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
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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.
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