Shepherd's Salad
Classic Turkish shepherd's salad made with fresh tomato, cucumber, green pepper, onion, parsley and lemon-olive oil dressing.
- Yield
- 4
- Preparation
- Cooking
- Total
- Difficulty
- Easy
The listed times are estimates for 4 servings.
About this recipe
Shepherd's salad is one of Turkey's most popular and fresh salads. Especially preferred during summer months, this salad is a light and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The red, green and white hues of tomato, cucumber, green pepper and onion create a colorful appearance, and the lemon-olive oil dressing elevates its flavor to the peak.
Ingredients
- medium tomato, cubed
- medium cucumber, cubed, seeds removed
- medium green pepper, cubed
- medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- medium lemon, juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Salad Preparation
-
Dice the tomato, cucumber, green pepper and onion separately and place them in a large salad bowl.
-
Add the finely chopped parsley to the salad.
-
Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil and salt in a small bowl and pour over the salad.
-
Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
-
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 15 minutes until serving.
Make this recipe better
Useful tips
- Dice the tomato, cucumber, and pepper to a similar size so every spoonful has a balanced mix.
- If the onion tastes too sharp, rinse the chopped onion briefly in cold water and drain it very well.
- Add lemon, olive oil, and salt close to serving time to reduce the amount of water released by the vegetables.
Common mistakes
- Salting the salad too early draws liquid from the tomato and cucumber and can make the bowl watery.
- Very large or uneven pieces make the salad harder to eat by the spoonful and disrupt its classic texture.
Storage
For advance preparation, refrigerate the chopped vegetables separately from the dressing and combine them shortly before serving.
Serving suggestion
Serve beside grilled foods, stews, or pilaf. Toss gently just before bringing it to the table so the dressing is evenly distributed.
Frequently asked questions
Why does shepherd's salad become watery?
Salt and acid pull moisture from fresh vegetables. Add the dressing near serving time for a firmer texture.
How can I soften the flavor of raw onion?
Rinse finely chopped onion briefly in cold water, then drain thoroughly before adding it to the salad.