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    Home » Salads » Coban Salata (Shepherd Salad)

    Published: May 8, 2019 · Modified: Jan 28, 2025 by Zerrin & Yusuf

    Coban Salata (Shepherd Salad)

    Jump to Recipe

    Coban Salata, or Turkish Shepherd Salad, is light, refreshing, and full of tangy flavor. This is our ultimate go-to salad for any meal, and we make it almost every day to pair with whatever is on the dinner table. The best part? You can make it in just 5 minutes!

    Close-up of fresh Çoban Salata with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, mixed with a tangy dressing. A spoon rests in the bowl.

    If you’re looking for a quick side salad to pair with chicken, meat, or even vegetarian dishes, Coban Salata is exactly what you need. It never disappoints!

    And don’t forget to grab a spoon for the irresistible juice at the bottom of the bowl—you won’t want to miss a single drop!

    In Turkey, when someone says “salad,” two options usually come to mind: Coban Salata and Mevsim Salatası (Seasonal Salad).

    These aren’t the only salads you can find in Turkey, but they are the most common and popular ones. Whether you’re at a family dinner or a restaurant, you’ll almost always find one of these delicious salads on the table.

    What is Coban Salata?

    Coban Salata, pronounced cho-BAHN sa-lah-tah, is one of the most popular and frequently made salads in Turkey—perhaps even the most common. Its popularity comes from how easy it is to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, which are staples in almost every kitchen.

    A bowl of fresh Çoban Salata with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, served with a tangy dressing. A tray of roasted chicken wings and fresh parsley are in the background.

    You’ll also find Coban Salata on nearly every restaurant menu in Turkey. It’s especially common in places that serve kebabs, lahmacun, and pide, as well as in traditional diners (lokanta) offering homemade dishes like soups and stews (güveç).

    The Story Behind the Name "Çoban Salata"

    The name "Coban Salata," meaning "Shepherd’s Salad," comes from its roots in Turkish village life. 

    A çoban (shepherd) is the person responsible for looking after the sheep and cows of the entire village, often taking them to distant pastures to graze.

    In the past, villagers would pay the shepherd with goods they grew or made themselves. Some would give vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, while others offered olives, cheese, or freshly baked bread.

    The shepherd would carry these simple ingredients in their bag while traveling far from the village. It’s said that the shepherd would combine these ingredients to make a quick lunch while out in the fields.

    This is how Coban Salata is believed to have originated—a salad made from fresh, easily accessible ingredients.

    About The Ingredients

    The full list of ingredients and their measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

    A top-down view of fresh ingredients for Çoban Salata, including tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, parsley, lemon, chili pepper, olive oil, vinegar, pomegranate molasses, salt, sumac, and pul biber, all labeled on a dark tiled surface.

    Coban Salad Ingredients

    • Onions: Traditionally, brown or red onions are used. Some people prefer to soak them in water for a few minutes to reduce their sharpness but we don't.
    • Tomatoes: Use the ripest and juiciest tomatoes you can find. 
    • Cucumbers: Small, thin-skinned cucumbers (like Persian or Turkish cucumbers) work best. If using larger ones, peel them if the skin is tough.
    • Parsley: Fresh parsley is essential for this salad.
    • Green Peppers: In Turkey, this salad typically uses sivri biber (long, slender green peppers with a mild to medium heat) or çarliston biber (sweet green pepper). If you can’t find these, you can use a chili pepper (like we often do) for a spicy kick or a green bell pepper for a milder flavor.

    Dressing Ingredients

    • Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, and Salt: These three make the classic base for Turkish Shepherd Salad dressing. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. 
    • Pomegranate Molasses (Nar Ekşisi): This sweet and tangy syrup is a common variation, especially if you want to add a richer flavor. It’s worth using if you can find it!
    • Vinegar: A splash of vinegar is often used in traditional versions of this salad, especially grape vinegar (üzüm sirkesi), which is the most common in Turkey. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works fine too.
    • Sumac and Pul Biber (Red Pepper Flakes): These are optional but highly recommended for an authentic touch. Sumac adds a tangy flavor, while pul biber adds a bit of smoky heat. Both are commonly used in Turkish cuisine.

    Why Massage Onions with Sumac?

    Massaging onions with sumac is a traditional Turkish method that makes the onions taste better. It takes away their sharp, bitter flavor and gives them a tangy taste instead. It also gives the onions a pretty pink color, which makes the salad look even more delicious.

    A step-by-step image showing how to massage diced red onions with sumac for Çoban Salata. The left side shows onions sprinkled with sumac, while the right side shows softened, pink-tinted onions after being massaged by hand.

    If you’ve tried Turkish sumac onions served with kebabs, this might sound familiar. The same trick is used there too, and it adds an authentic and tasty touch to the dish. It’s a simple step but makes a big difference!

    How to Make Çoban Salata

    The full instructions are in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick summary.

    Start by massaging the diced onions with sumac. Then, place the onions in a large salad bowl along with the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (or chili pepper, if you prefer a spicy kick), and parsley. 

    A step-by-step collage showing how to make Çoban Salata. The images include chopped vegetables in a bowl, a mixed dressing, the dressing being poured over the salad, and the final salad being tossed.

    In Turkey, most people don’t prepare the dressing in a separate bowl when making coban salata. Instead, they squeeze fresh lemon juice directly over the salad, drizzle olive oil generously by eye, sprinkle on salt, and, if desired, add sumac and pul biber. Then, everything is tossed together right in the bowl.

    To be honest, we usually make it this way too—it’s quick and easy! Feel free to prepare the dressing in a separate bowl or jar if you prefer. Either way, toss everything together just before serving for the freshest flavor.

    Jazz Up the Dressing for the Salata!

    To take the flavor of your Çoban Salata to the next level, try some additions to the dressing. We love adding spices like pul biber (Turkish red pepper flakes) and sumac for an extra burst of flavor. They add a tangy, slightly smoky kick that makes the salad even more delicious.

    Another spice often used in Turkish Shepherd Salad is dried mint. It’s a great substitute when you don’t have fresh parsley or other herbs on hand.

    For a richer and tastier dressing, try adding pomegranate molasses and a splash of vinegar. You can use your favorite type of vinegar, but we prefer apple vinegar or grape vinegar for their mild and fruity flavors.

    In some restaurants in Turkey, they leave the customization to you! Spices like sumac, pul biber, and dressing ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and vinegar are served on the table. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking and make the salad your own.

    Alternative Add-Ins 

    While the classic Turkish shepherd salad recipe is perfect as it is, you can easily customize it with additional ingredients to suit your taste or make it more filling.

    Tomato and cucumber salad garnished with black olives in a white bowl.

    Here are some popular add-ins:

    Red Peppers: Red bell peppers or Romano peppers for a little sweetness and more crispness.

    Fresh Herbs: Dill, mint, or spring onions.

    Black Olives: In Turkish villages, people often add black or green olives, especially when this salad is enjoyed as a lunch when working in the fields.

    Feta Cheese (Turkish White Cheese): Crumbled feta cheese or Turkish white cheese (beyaz peynir) is great as a garnish on the top.

    Serving Suggestions

    Çoban Salatası is the perfect side dish for so many meals. It pairs beautifully with Turkish meatballs (köfte) and all types of kebabs, like lamb shish kebab, Adana kebab, and Turkish chicken kebab. 

    It’s also amazing alongside:

    • Turkish Chicken Wings
    • Tavuklu Pilav (Rice with Chicken)
    • Turkish Beef Stew
    • Tavuk Sote (Chicken Sauté)
    • Simple Roasted Chicken
    • Lahmacun (Turkish flatbread with ground meat)
    • Bulgur Pilavi

    And don’t forget about pide bread, the soft and fluffy Ramazan pidesi—it’s perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the salad!

    Can I Make it Ahead of Time?

    Yes, you can make Çoban Salata ahead of time, but for the freshest flavor and texture, it’s best to assemble it just before serving.

    If you want to prepare in advance, chop the vegetables and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. You can also make the dressing and keep it in a jar.

    When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the vegetables together, pour over the dressing, and mix well. 

    A bowl of fresh Çoban Salata with a tangy dressing, served alongside roasted chicken wings and parsley on a dark tiled surface.
    Coban Salad served with Turkish Chicken Wings.

    More Turkish Salads

    • Roasted Onion Salad
    • Piyaz Salad
    • Patlican Salatasi (Eggplant Salad)
    • Acili Ezme
    • Olive Salad
    • Turkish Bulgur Salad

    As always: If you make this recipe, let us know what you think by rating it and leaving a comment below. And post a pic on Instagram too—tag @give_recipe so we can see!

    Sign up for the FREE GiveRecipe Newsletter to get the new recipes into your inbox! And stay in touch with us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for all the latest updates.

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of Çoban Salata with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and parsley, tossed in olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac. A spoon rests inside, with sumac and parsley nearby.
    4.88 from 8 votes

    Coban Salata (Shepherd Salad)

    By Zerrin & Yusuf
    Turkish Shepherd's Salad, is a fresh and tangy mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and parsley. Tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and optional spices, it’s a quick, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal!
    Yields: 4 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    PREP 5 minutes mins
    COOK 0 minutes mins
    TOTAL 5 minutes mins

    INGREDIENTS
      

    Salad:

    • 1 medium onion diced
    • 2 teaspoons sumac
    • 4 medium tomatoes diced
    • 3 medium Persian cucumbers diced
    • 1 small chili pepper finely chopped (optional)
    • ¼ cup parsley chopped

    Dressing:

    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice juiced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses optional
    • ½ tablespoon vinegar optional
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Turkish pul biber, optional
    • ½ teaspoon sumac

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Place the diced onions in a large bowl and sprinkle them with sumac. Massage the onions gently with your hands until they soften slightly and take on a beautiful pink color.
    • To the same bowl, add the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped chili pepper, and parsley.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, vinegar, salt, pul biber, and sumac until well combined.
    • Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated.
    • Taste the salad and adjust the salt or spices to your liking.
    • Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

    NOTES

    1. This salad can be made without peppers if you prefer. 
    2. Vinegar, pomegranate molasses, and pul biber (red pepper flakes) are optional but highly recommended for extra flavor. If you’re unsure, start with small amounts and adjust to your taste.
    3. Çoban Salata is best enjoyed fresh, right after tossing the dressing with the vegetables.
    4. If you want to make it ahead, keep the vegetables and dressing separate until just before serving.
    5. Nutrition information is provided for guidance only.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 306mgPotassium: 459mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1567IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    ADDITIONAL INFO

    Course Salad
    Cuisine Turkish
    Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.88 from 8 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kimberly Kay Pater says

      June 18, 2025 at 5:23 pm

      Can you use something in place of pomegranate molasses if you can't find it?

      Reply
      • Zerrin & Yusuf says

        June 19, 2025 at 10:04 am

        Hi Kimberley! In our opinion, tamarind paste is the closest in taste, so if you can find that, it would be a great alternative. That said, pomegranate molasses is totally optional in this salad. In Turkey, it's actually quite common to make it without any at all. So feel free to leave it out if needed. The salad will still be delicious!

        Reply
    2. Zerrin & Yusuf says

      May 20, 2025 at 12:04 pm

      5 stars
      kkkk

      Reply
    3. Virginia OKeeffe says

      June 18, 2023 at 5:01 am

      What sort of onions do you use: brown, white or red?

      Reply
      • Zerrin & Yusuf says

        June 18, 2023 at 7:32 pm

        Hi Virginia,
        You can use all sorts of onions. You can even add green onions if you like them.

        Reply
    4. Donna says

      July 26, 2022 at 10:19 pm

      5 stars
      Served this salad along with lamb kabobs and your roasted onions. You are right, this was the first dish to disappear. I did add feta, but everything else was according to recipe. For such a simple salad, it was a smash hit!

      Reply
    5. Mg says

      January 30, 2022 at 5:03 am

      5 stars
      Made this for a party. It was more popular than any of the other dishes. Delicious. Thank you !

      Reply
      • Zerrin & Yusuf says

        January 30, 2022 at 6:23 am

        So happy to hear this. It is a staple salad in Turkey. We pair almost any dish with this shepherd salad. Isn't it great when a simple salad like this becomes a hit at a party? Thanks for coming back and leaving this comment.
        Cheers!

        Reply
    6. Mely Martinez says

      March 07, 2021 at 11:14 pm

      5 stars
      I love this salad. Every time I make it, I have to come back to your website to make sure I'm not missing any ingredient. I also like to add Feta Cheese. And instead of Sumac, I add lime juice.

      Thank you for such a perfect salad!

      Reply
      • Yusuf says

        March 08, 2021 at 4:12 am

        So happy to hear that Mely! This is the go-to salad for people in Turkey. We pair with any meal. Adding feta makes it even tastier, right? Substituting lime juice for sumac is brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing your twist on the recipe!

        Reply
    7. Louise says

      March 05, 2020 at 11:33 pm

      Hi there.. I love Çoban Salatası.. My favourite salad. Can I ask you though what measurements do you use.. Is it US or metric please. Many thanks.. I'm enjoying looking at your recipes.
      Çok teşekkür ederim

      Reply
    8. Vivian Semeraro says

      January 16, 2020 at 10:57 pm

      4 stars
      May I know what is pomegranate molasses in Turkish is called because they do not speak English over here 🙈. Many thanks!!

      Reply
      • Yusuf says

        January 17, 2020 at 12:09 am

        Hi Vivian! It is called nar ekşisi in Turkish. Hope this helps.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

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    Zerrin & Yusuf

    Meet Zerrin and Yusuf Gunaydin: The couple behind this blog. We bring Turkish food into your kitchen! From kebabs to desserts, everything you crave is here.

    More about us→

    POPULAR RECIPES

    • Chicken seasoning in a glass jar and a small spoon in it.
      Dry Rub For Chicken - Chicken Seasoning
    • Turkish bean stew in a dark colored bowl and a spoon inside it.
      Kuru Fasulye Recipe (Turkish Beans)
    • Roasted tomato soup topped with feta cheese and basil leaves in a white bowl, grilled cheese sandwich dipped into it and more grilled cheese sandwiches behind it.
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    • Turkish chicken dish with a tomato sauce served in a bowl and a fork inside it.
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    • Baked chicken wings on a rack.
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