Çoban Salatası, or Shepherd’s Salad, is a refreshing and light Turkish salad made with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice. This versatile dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats, kebabs, or as part of a meze spread. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 green bell pepper (or Turkish green pepper), diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of sumac or pul biber (red pepper flakes) for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and green pepper into small, evenly sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the parsley.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, and sliced onion. Add the chopped parsley and gently toss to mix.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sumac or pul biber for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Serve immediately as a fresh and vibrant side dish.
Things to Consider
- Cucumber Variety: Use a seedless cucumber for a crisper texture. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to scoop out the seeds to avoid excess water in the salad.
- Onion Options: For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Tips
- Make it Ahead: You can chop the vegetables ahead of time, but mix the dressing with the salad just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.
- Serving Ideas: Shepherd’s Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled kebabs, roasted fish, or Turkish pide bread for a complete meal.
- Extra Garnishes: For added flavor, crumble a bit of feta cheese on top or add olives to the salad.
This Turkish Shepherd’s Salad (Çoban Salatası) is a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of fresh, Mediterranean ingredients. It’s a healthy and versatile addition to any table. Afiyet olsun!