Shopska salad is a fresh Bulgarian classic of ripe tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, and parsley finished with a snowy layer of sirene cheese.
Use the ripest vegetables you can find and add the cheese just before serving so every bite stays crisp, juicy, and pleasantly salty.
Salt the salad shortly before it reaches the table. Salting too early draws water from the vegetables and can make the bowl watery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a starter with crusty bread, grilled meats, or a glass of chilled white wine. It also makes a refreshing picnic side.
Recipe Notes
Shopska salad is best the day it is made. If preparing ahead, chop the vegetables and whisk the dressing separately, then combine at serving time.
Bulgarian Shopska Salad
A crisp Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, parsley, and grated sirene cheese.
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Small bowl
- Box grater
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 ripe tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber halved and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 4 oz sirene or feta cheese finely grated
Dressing
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley to a large bowl.
- Whisk the sunflower oil, vinegar, and salt in a small bowl.
Dress and Finish:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and grate the sirene or feta over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Bulgarian sirene is traditionally used, but a good brined feta is an easy substitute.
- Roasted pepper adds a sweeter, deeper variation when fresh peppers are out of season.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g