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Coban Salata (Shepherd Salad)

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.
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4.9 from 7 reviews

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!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad:

  • 1 medium sized onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons sumac
  • 4 tomatoes, diced
  • 3 Persian cucumbers, diced
  • 1 Turkish green pepper or 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Dressing:

  • Half lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses, optional
  • 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pul biber (Turkish red pepper flakes), optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon sumac

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. To the same bowl, add the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped chili pepper, and parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, vinegar, salt, pul biber, and sumac until well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust the salt or spices to your liking.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://www.giverecipe.com/chopped-turkish-salad/