Sopska Salata
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Tomatoes, diced — 4
- Cucumbers, diced — 2
- Green Bell pepper, diced — 1
- Red Onion, finely diced — 1/2
- Olive oil — 3 tbsp
- Red wine vinegar — 1 tbsp
- Salt, — to taste
- Sirene or feta cheese, grated — 150 g (5 oz)
Method
- Combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, green pepper and red onion in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently.
- Transfer to a serving plate and generously grate the cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately.
Introduction: A vibrant, chunky salad of tomato, cucumber, pepper and onion, topped with grated white cheese.
Cultural Background: Šopska salata, one of the most iconic dishes across the Balkans, is a fresh, colourful salad found on nearly every Serbian table, its combination of ripe summer vegetables and salty cheese endlessly refreshing.
Tips: Use the ripest, most flavourful summer tomatoes for the best result, as this salad relies on fresh, high-quality produce. Grate the cheese finely so it disperses evenly over the salad.
Variations: Add a few olives for extra Mediterranean flavour; swap sirene for feta if unavailable, as they are closely related cheeses.
Storage: Store undressed vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; dress and add cheese just before serving.
Reheating: This salad is served fresh and cold and is not reheated.
Nutrition: Approx. 190 kcal, 6 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate, 13 g fat per serving.
FAQs:
Q: What cheese is traditionally used for šopska salata?
A: Sirene, a Balkan white brined cheese similar to feta, is traditional, though feta makes an accessible substitute.
Q: Can this salad be made ahead?
A: The vegetables can be chopped ahead, but it's best dressed and topped with cheese just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Tomatoes, diced — 4
- Cucumbers, diced — 2
- Green Bell pepper, diced — 1
- Red Onion, finely diced — 1/2
- Olive oil — 3 tbsp
- Red wine vinegar — 1 tbsp
- Salt, — to taste
- Sirene or feta cheese, grated — 150 g (5 oz)
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