"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Cookinero 11 Nov 2022

This fresh, juicy summer salad is a dish of Bulgarian cuisine, but is popular not only in this country, but also in Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and the Czech Republic, as well as in my kitchen)) Its name comes from the name of the western ethnic group of Bulgarians - " shops". White cheese, green cucumbers and red tomatoes symbolize the colors of the Bulgarian flag. I posted it on my Instagram account quite a long time ago, but I got here with it just now)) In the original, you need Bulgarian cheese, but it turned out to be much easier to find Serbian in the nearest stores.

How to cook "Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Step 1

"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Wash the vegetables with soap, rinse with cold (preferably filtered) water, dry on a paper towel. Wash the greens also with cool water, rinse with filtered water and dry.

Step 2

"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Peel the cucumbers, remove the tips from them and cut the flesh into large cubes (about 1.5 × 1.5 cm). Put in a salad bowl.

Step 3

"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Cut the tomatoes in half, remove the stalks, and then cut into cubes (if you use cherry tomatoes, just cut them in half is enough). Put the tomatoes on the cucumbers.

Step 4

"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Cut the pepper in half, remove the stalk, seeds and internal partitions, then cut it into large cubes. Add to vegetables in a salad bowl.

Step 5

"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Finely chop the greens, after cutting off the long stems of the parsley and dill and the roots of the onion (if any), put in a salad bowl.

Step 6

"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Drizzle the salad with oil, drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently. You don’t need to salt the salad, but if you wish, you can add a little, but do not forget to mix the salad again after that.

Step 7

"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese

Wash the package with cheese with warm water and soap (so that germs do not get into the salad, since cheese is not cooked in this recipe). Open, discard serum (if any), and save (if needed). Grate the cheese on a coarse grater directly into the salad bowl and you can serve the salad to the table. Enjoy your meal!

"Shopska" salad with Bulgarian cheese - FAQ About Ingredients, Baking Time and Storage

Yes, if you can't find Bulgarian cheese (often called Sirene), feta cheese is the best substitute. It offers a similar salty and tangy flavor profile. You could also try ricotta salata for a slightly milder flavor.
Shopska salad is best eaten fresh. However, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the vegetables will release moisture, making the salad less crisp.
Yes, Shopska salad is vegetarian as the recipe uses only vegetables, cheese, and dressing ingredients. Ensure the cheese you are using is made without animal rennet if you are a strict vegetarian.
While it's best served immediately, you can prep the individual components (chopped vegetables, grated cheese) ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Mix and dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Shopska salad is typically a side dish. Adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs can transform it into a heartier and more filling meal.
While lemon juice provides a bright, fresh flavor, you could substitute it with white wine vinegar or even a very mild apple cider vinegar in a pinch. Use it sparingly, tasting as you go, since vinegar is generally stronger than lemon juice.
Simply adjust the quantities of each ingredient proportionally to match the number of servings you desire. A good starting point is about 1 cup of chopped vegetables per person.
Shopska salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, mainly from the vegetables. However, the carbohydrate content can vary depending on the specific type and amount of vegetables used. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced low-carb diet.

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