Traditional Bulgarian Shopska Salad

A refreshing and colorful salad originating from Bulgaria, made with a medley of fresh vegetables and topped with tangy feta cheese.

Ingredients

1	long, thin English cucumber
½	large red onion
½	large green bell pepper
2	large, very ripe plum tomatoes
½	cup Kalamata olives
2	tablespoons red wine vinegar
4	tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼	cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
	Salt and pepper, to taste
½	cup finely crumbled Bulgarian feta cheese

Instructions

• 1. Begin by partially peeling the English cucumber, creating a striped pattern, then slicing it into rounds of half-inch thickness. Place the cucumber slices in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  2. Dice the red onion and green bell pepper into uniform pieces of half-inch size and add them to the bowl.
  3. Remove the seeds from the plum tomatoes, dice them, and add to the bowl along with the Kalamata olives and chopped flat-leaf parsley.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix, ensuring even coating. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
  5. Transfer the salad to a suitable serving bowl and generously sprinkle the top with finely crumbled Bulgarian feta cheese. For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad before serving.

Jul 18, 2024