Shopska salad

A refreshing Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and peppers, topped with a snowy blanket of grated sirene cheese. It is dressed with sunflower oil and vinegar.

Shopska salad

Chopska: Popo le Chien, CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Shopska salad is one of the best-known dishes in Bulgaria and is enjoyed across the Balkans. Its colors of red, green and white are an easy match for a summer table.

Explore the cuisine of Bulgaria.

Recipe

Make Shopska salad at home

Serves 4Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
  • 1 red or green pepper, roasted and sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • Salt
  • 1 cup (150 g) grated sirene or feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley

How it's made

  1. Combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, pepper and onion in a large bowl.
  2. Season with salt, oil and vinegar and toss gently.
  3. Spread on a serving platter.
  4. Generously cover the top with grated cheese.
  5. Scatter parsley over and serve right away.

Variations

  • With roasted peppers.
  • Version without onion.
  • Sheep's cheese for a stronger flavor.

Cook’s tip: Add the cheese just before serving so the salad stays fresh and crisp.

Also on the menu in

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Banitsa
BanitsaBreakfast · Bulgaria
Tzatziki
TzatzikiSnacks and dips · Greece
About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Chopska: Popo le Chien, CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)