Shopska Salad
A vibrant Balkan salad of crisp vegetables and creamy feta cheese with a tangy vinaigrette. This fresh, no-cook dish comes together in minutes and celebrates bright, simple flavors.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 245
- Protein
- 8g
Ingredients
- 3 whole large ripe tomatoes
- 1 whole European cucumber, peeled
- 1 whole red bell pepper
- ½ whole red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cut 3 large ripe tomatoes in half and use a small spoon or your fingers to scoop out the seeds and excess juice — this prevents the salad from becoming watery. Cut the tomato flesh into 3/4-inch chunks and place in a large bowl.
- 2
Peel 1 European cucumber with a vegetable peeler, then cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds gently. Cut the cucumber into 3/4-inch chunks and add to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- 3
Core 1 red bell pepper by cutting out the stem end and scraping away the white membranes and remaining seeds. Cut the pepper into 3/4-inch squares and add to the bowl.
- 4
Thinly slice half a red onion — aim for slices about 1/8-inch thick. Add to the bowl along with 0.5 cup of pitted Kalamata olives.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1.5 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 0.5 teaspoon of dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust — the dressing should be pleasantly tangy with a savory herb note.
- 6
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes so the vegetables absorb the flavors.
- 7
Divide the salad among four bowls or plates. Top each serving with 0.25 cup of crumbled feta cheese — distribute it evenly so every bite gets cheese. Serve immediately while the vegetables are still crisp and the feta is creamy.
Tools you’ll need
- large mixing bowl
- small bowl
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- vegetable peeler
- small spoon
- whisk
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