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Shopska Salad From Albania
The Albanian Shopska Salad is a traditional dish from the Balkan region. It is known for its vibrant colours and fresh flavours. The salad is also easy to prepare. It is both refreshing and light, making it a healthy meal option. The dish combines crisp vegetables, tangy cheese, and a zesty dressing.
The main ingredients include ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Red onions and creamy feta cheese are also used. The vegetables are diced or sliced into bite-sized pieces. This helps their natural flavours shine. The feta cheese is crumbled over the top. It adds a rich and savoury touch to each bite.
The Dressing of Albanian Salad
One of the standout features of the Albanian Shopska Salad is its dressing. A classic dressing for this salad includes high-quality olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Before serving, the dressing is drizzled over the salad, enhancing the overall taste and bringing all the ingredients together harmoniously.
Preparing the Salad
To prepare the salad, begin by washing and chopping the vegetables. Since the tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers should be cut into uniform pieces, this ensures an even distribution of flavours. Meanwhile, the red onions can be thinly sliced to add a subtle sharpness to the salad. After preparing the vegetables, combine them in a large bowl and gently toss them to mix.
How to Make the Albanian Shopska Salad
INGREDIENTS:
2 English cucumbers (the long thin ones)
2 ripe summer tomatoes
1 green pepper
1 stalk green onion
2 tablespoons minced parsley
3 tablespoons sunflower oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
150 grams of shredded sirene, about 1 cup
pinch of salt (the sirene is rather salty)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Chop the cucumbers — you can choose to peel them or not, either way is fine when you’re using the English cucumbers as they have a rather thin skin. I prefer skin on plus I’m lazy so skin on it is! You want to chop it into large chunks that are still pleasant to eat.
Chop the tomatoes about the same size as the cucumbers, omitting some of the goopier and seedier parts from the middle if you wish.
Slice the green pepper into smaller strips.
Chop one green onion finely.
Mince parsley finely until you have about 2 tablespoons or as to taste.
Place all the salad ingredients into a bowl. Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil and the 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar on top and toss with a very small amount of salt. Taste to check seasoning.
Grate sirene or feta cheese on the largest side of a box grater, about 150 grams. The feta cheese has a creamy texture and a salty flavour. It pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables. This adds a satisfying richness to every bite. You can adjust the amount of feta cheese based on your preference. This makes the salad easy to customize. It allows you to suit individual tastes.
Finally, drizzle the dressing over the salad, using just enough to coat the vegetables without overwhelming them. The dressing adds a tangy flavour. It also brings a slightly acidic note. This balances the sweetness of the vegetables. It also complements the saltiness of the feta cheese. After adding the dressing, toss the salad gently to ensure it is evenly distributed.
Serving the Salad
The Albanian Shopska Salad is best served immediately to ensure the vegetables stay crisp and the feta cheese remains creamy. For the best texture and flavour, enjoy it fresh. You can serve it as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats. You can also enjoy it on its own. It makes a light and satisfying meal. The salad has vibrant colours and bold flavours. It celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is sure to impress at any gathering.
NOTES:
* If you can’t get your hands on English cucumbers, use Persian cucumbers (you’ll likely need twice the amount). Kirby cucumbers work in a pinch, but I’d avoid garden cucumbers unless you can’t help it as they will be rather seedy and watery.
** The peppers used in Bulgaria are often a greenish-yellow and have a taste similar to green bell pepper. You can just use a green or yellow bell pepper.
