Gaziantep Inspired Chopped Salad
Savor the vibrant and refreshing flavors of Gaziantep with this delightful Turkish Chopped Salad. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a zesty accompaniment to rice dishes, this salad is a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, bright herbs, and a tangy dressing. Scents of garlic and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes come together in perfect harmony, making it a versatile dish that can stand alone or complement various meals. With roots in the rich culinary traditions of Gaziantep, it's renowned as 'Women's Salad' for its ease of preparation and healthful ingredients. Enjoy this salad fresh or allow the flavors to meld in the fridge for up to an hour for an even more delicious experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
unrefined extra virgin olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
pomegranate molasses
2 (teaspoons)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 (teaspoon (or to taste))
sea salt
to taste
large tomatoes
2 (cut into 1/4-inch dice)
medium cucumbers
2 (peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice)
scallions
2 (minced)
bell pepper
1 (cut into 1/4-inch dice (your choice of color))
small red onion
1 (cut into 1/4-inch dice (or sweet onion))
flat leaf parsley
1/2 (cup chopped)
mint leaf
1/4 (cup chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, unrefined extra virgin olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add a pinch of sea salt to taste, stirring well until fully blended.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, peeled and diced cucumbers, minced scallions, diced bell pepper, diced onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Toss gently to combine all the fresh ingredients.
3
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss the salad until the dressing is evenly distributed and all ingredients are well coated.
4
For the best flavor experience, serve immediately. Alternatively, refrigerate the salad for up to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to develop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gaziantep Inspired Chopped Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing Turkish salad made from a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing.
What vegetables are used in this salad?
The salad features tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, bell peppers, and red onions.
How do I make the dressing?
Combine minced garlic, unrefined extra virgin olive oil, pomegranate molasses, crushed red pepper flakes, and sea salt.
Why is this recipe called Women's Salad?
It is known as Women's Salad in the Gaziantep culinary tradition due to its ease of preparation and healthful ingredients.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
The recipe recommends using unrefined extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
What is the role of pomegranate molasses?
Pomegranate molasses adds a unique tangy and slightly sweet acidity to the dressing.
Can I substitute the red onion?
Yes, you can use a sweet onion instead of a small red onion if preferred.
How should the tomatoes be chopped?
The tomatoes should be cut into a 1/4-inch dice.
Do the cucumbers need to be peeled and seeded?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the cucumbers should be peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and then diced.
What fresh herbs are in the recipe?
The salad includes 1/2 cup of chopped flat leaf parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped mint.
What size should the vegetables be cut?
The recipe suggests cutting the vegetables into a consistent 1/4-inch dice.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a hint of spice from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
Is the Gaziantep Chopped Salad vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How long can I refrigerate the salad?
You can refrigerate it for up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, the salad can be served immediately for the freshest flavor experience.
What does this salad pair well with?
It is a great accompaniment to rice dishes and is perfect for summer gatherings or BBQs.
How many ingredients are in the salad?
There are 12 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
What color bell pepper should I use?
You can use your choice of color for the bell pepper.
How much parsley is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped flat leaf parsley.
How much mint is used?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped mint leaves.
Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
Yes, if you prefer no heat, you can omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad has a crunchy and refreshing texture due to the finely diced fresh vegetables.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy fats from olive oil.
What is the preparation method?
The method involves preparing a dressing, dicing vegetables, and tossing them together in a large bowl.
What region does this salad come from?
This salad is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Gaziantep, Turkey.
Can I add extra salt?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding sea salt to taste.
Is it better to serve cold or at room temperature?
It can be served fresh or chilled for up to an hour depending on your preference.
What kind of cucumbers are best?
The recipe calls for 2 medium cucumbers.