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Fresh Turkish Shepherds Salad Recipe with Easy Tangy Pomegranate Molasses Dressing

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A refreshing and vibrant Turkish shepherd’s salad featuring crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet pomegranate molasses dressing. Perfect for a light meal or a bright side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced (preferably English or Persian cucumbers)
  • 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced (Roma or vine-ripened recommended)
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped and soaked in cold water for 5 minutes
  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Rinse and dry cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, and herbs thoroughly. Dice cucumbers and tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes; finely chop the red onion after soaking it briefly in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness. Drain well before adding to the bowl. (Time: 10 minutes)
  2. Chop the herbs: Strip parsley leaves from thick stems and roughly chop. Do the same with fresh mint if using. (Time: 3 minutes)
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses (3 tbsp), extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup), freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tbsp), and minced garlic (1 small clove). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust acidity by adding more lemon juice or molasses if desired. The dressing should be glossy and smooth. (Time: 5 minutes)
  4. Toss the salad: Combine all chopped vegetables and herbs in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated. If using, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top and fold them in carefully to avoid crushing. (Time: 3 minutes)
  5. Rest and serve: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to let flavors meld. (Time: 10 minutes)

Notes

Soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its sharpness and prevent the salad from becoming watery. Keep the dressing separate if making ahead and toss just before serving to preserve crispness. Adding a pinch of sumac before serving adds a traditional lemony note. Adjust lemon juice and molasses in the dressing to balance sweetness and acidity. Optional additions include chickpeas or grilled chicken for protein, or toasted pine nuts and feta for a Mediterranean twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish salad, shepherd's salad, pomegranate molasses, fresh salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/fresh-turkish-shepherds-salad-recipe-with-easy-tangy-pomegranate-molasses-dressing/