Çoban Salatası — Turkish Shepherd’s Salad

Çoban salatası—shepherd’s salad—is one of Türkiye’s most familiar table salads: ripe tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onion, and parsley cut small and dressed simply.

SERVES 4 | PREP 20 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ripe tomatoes, small dice

• 2 Persian cucumbers or 1/2 English cucumber, small dice

• 2 Turkish sivri peppers or 1 green bell pepper, small dice

• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced

• 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses, optional

• Salt and black pepper

METHOD

1. Cut the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onion into evenly small pieces.

2. Combine them with the parsley in a shallow bowl.

3. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, optional pomegranate molasses, salt, and pepper.

4. Dress the salad immediately before serving and toss gently.

5. Serve at once with bread to catch the juices.

AUTHENTICITY NOTE

Classic çoban salatası contains no lettuce or cheese. The quality of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, peppers, olive oil, and lemon determines the dish.

WATCH

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=traditional+Turkish+coban+salatasi+recipe