Vegetarian Turkish Salad Recipe (Shepherd Salad)

This Turkish salad, also known as Shepherd Salad (Çoban Salatası), is a refreshing and vibrant dish that features a mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 medium tomatoes (seeded and diced)
½ cucumber (peeled, seeded, and diced)
¼ red onion (diced)
½ red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
⅓ green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)

For the Dressing

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Garnish

Aleppo pepper or sumac (for a tangy kick)
Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, parsley, and cilantro.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Combine:

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Serve:

Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. If desired, sprinkle with Aleppo pepper or sumac and drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.

Tips

For added flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
This salad is best served chilled; consider refrigerating it for a while before serving.

Variations

Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients such as:

Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy texture.
Olives: Black or green olives for extra flavor.
Avocado: Diced for creaminess.
Chickpeas: For added protein.

Adding Grilled Vegetables to the Turkish Salad

Yes, you can definitely add grilled vegetables to the Turkish salad for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus complement the fresh ingredients beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the salad. Simply grill your chosen vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, then mix them into the salad.

Making the Salad Spicier

To spice up your Turkish salad, consider these options:

Add Fresh Chili Peppers: Diced jalapeños or serrano peppers can provide a fresh heat.
Incorporate Aleppo Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle these spices into the salad or dressing for a mild to moderate kick.
Use Spicy Olive Oil: Infuse olive oil with chili flakes or use a pre-made chili oil in your dressing.

Alternative Herbs Instead of Parsley and Cilantro

If you want to substitute parsley and cilantro in your Turkish salad, consider using:

Mint: Adds a refreshing flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Dill: Offers a unique taste that complements Mediterranean dishes.
Basil: Provides a sweet and aromatic flavor profile.
Chives: For a mild onion flavor that can enhance the salad.

Using Different Types of Yogurt for the Dressing

You can use various types of yogurt in the dressing for your Turkish salad:

Greek Yogurt: Thick and creamy, it adds richness and tang.
Dairy-Free Yogurt: Such as coconut or almond yogurt, for a vegan option.
Regular Plain Yogurt: If you prefer a lighter texture, regular yogurt works well too.

Feel free to adjust the consistency by adding more milk or water if needed. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dressing to your taste preferences while maintaining its creamy texture.

This Turkish salad is not only colorful and nutritious but also embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its fresh ingredients and simple preparation! Enjoy your meal!