Name: Turkish Shepherd Salad: A Refreshing & Authentic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 large ripe tomato, diced; 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced; 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended!); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; Optional: 1-2 green chili peppers, finely chopped (for a little heat!)

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Introduction

Turkish Shepherd Salad, or “Çoban Salatası,” is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and herbs tossed in a zesty dressing. Refreshing and light, this salad captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors and is perfect as a healthy lunch or a colorful side dish.

A close-up of a fresh salad served in a white bowl showing three main layers: the base layer of green cucumber chunks with a slightly shiny, wet texture, mixed with bright red tomato pieces; the middle layer includes white cubes of cheese and thin rings of red onion scattered evenly; the top layer is made up of green dill sprigs and a light dressing with visible herbs and small red chili flakes, adding specks of contrasting colors. Behind the salad, three pieces of triangular grilled bread with golden brown grill marks stand upright. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large ripe tomato, diced
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional: 1-2 green chili peppers, finely chopped (for a little heat!)

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the tomato into roughly 1/2-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Peel, seed, and dice the cucumber into pieces similar in size to the tomato. Add to the bowl.
Step 3: Seed and dice the green and red bell peppers into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to the mixing bowl.
Step 4: Thinly slice the red onion. To mellow its flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the bowl.
Step 5: Finely chop the parsley and mint, then add them to the bowl.
Step 6: If using, finely chop the green chili peppers, removing seeds for less heat, and add them to the bowl.
Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Step 8: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 9: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top if desired, and give the salad one last gentle toss before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use the freshest and ripest vegetables possible for the best flavor.
Soaking the red onion in cold water reduces its sharpness and adds a milder taste to your salad.
For extra heat, leave the seeds in the chili peppers, or omit them altogether for a milder version.
Try adding a sprinkle of sumac for a tangy twist.
Omit feta cheese to make this salad vegan and still delicious.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may release some liquid, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving again. It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a fresh salad made of three main layers. At the bottom, there are chopped cucumber pieces with a bright green color and a slightly rough texture. The middle layer consists of juicy red and yellow tomato chunks mixed with white cubes of soft cheese, all coated with green herbs and seasoning. On top, thin slices of purple-red onion add a light, round texture, all crowned with sprigs of fresh dill. At the back of the bowl, three pieces of grilled pita bread with a golden-brown color and charred grill marks stand upright. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Turkish Shepherd Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.

Is Turkish Shepherd Salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! This salad contains only fresh vegetables, herbs, and simple seasonings, making it naturally gluten-free and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.