When it comes to fresh, vibrant salads, no other cuisine can compare to that of Turkey. One such delicacy is the Gavurdagi Salad, a traditional Turkish salad given its name in honor of the well-known Gavur Mountain in southern Turkey. This vivid salad is both energetic and satisfying because of the combination of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, acidic pomegranate molasses, and a medley of herbs and spices.
My favorite Turkish salad. Walnuts and pomegranate sauce make a difference in taste. It is sweet, salty, and tangy. If you like to try something different this weekend, give this Turkish recipe a go. You won’t regret it!
INGREDIENTS (75Kcal per serving):
- 3 tomatoes, diced in cubes
- 2 cucumbers, diced in cubes
- 1 long sweet chili, finely chopped
- 1 bunch wild rocket, rinsed
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
For the salad dressing:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup pomegranate sauce or balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sumac
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- It’s time to build the salad base: Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint in a salad dish and toss to combine. Toss lightly to ensure a uniform distribution of components.
- Dollop the walnuts over the salad’s foundation and mix gently. Roughly chop the walnuts and set them aside. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty taste to the salad.
- Dressing can be made in a separate small bowl by combining extra virgin olive oil, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The salad gets its tangy, slightly sweet taste from the dressing.
- Toss the salad gently after pouring the dressing over it to ensure that the delicious dressing coats all of the ingredients. Make seasoning changes to suit your taste.
- Marinating Gavurdagi Salad for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature is recommended. After resting for a while, the salad’s flavors will have a chance to meld into a more harmonious whole.
- To serve, transfer the salad to a serving tray or individual plates. As a refreshing main course or appetizer, the Turkish Gavurdagi Salad is ready to be served.
Tips and Variations:
- Sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds over the salad right before serving for an extra punch of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Sour Turkish white cheese, such as feta or beyaz peynir, can be sprinkled across the salad for a tangy, salty, and creamy addition.
- In order to soak up the rich liquids and provide texture to each bite, Gavurdagi Salad is often served in Turkish cuisine with freshly baked bread, such as pide or lavash.
- Spice it up by adding some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing for those with a higher tolerance for heat.
Conclusion:
The vibrant flavors and crisp textures of the Turkish Gavurdagi Salad are a feast for the senses. Tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and pomegranate molasses come together in perfect harmony to create a taste sensation that is uniquely Turkish. If you’re looking for a refreshing side dish, a quick and easy lunch, or a chilly complement to your grilled meats, Gavurdagi Salad will do the trick. Indulge in the crispness of Gavurdagi Salad and other Turkish delicacies for a very satisfying meal.