Mevsim Salatasi Turkish Season Salad Recipe

Hey foodies, let’s dive into a vibrant and refreshing Mevsim Salatası that will add a splash of color and crunch to your table! This salad is a symphony of fresh veggies and herbs, harmonized with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, giving you the ultimate garden-fresh experience in every bite.

The refreshing and vibrant Mevsim Salatası, or Turkish Season Salad, is a medley of crunchy lettuce, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s a salad made with fresh vegetables that are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, like bell peppers and carrots.

And it’s good for you, drizzled with olive oil instead of any kind of cream or salad dressing.

Ingredients

• Lettuce: Low in calories, high in water content, provides fiber, and aids digestion
• Cucumber: Hydrating, low in calories, provides vitamins and antioxidants
• Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins C and K, adds a juicy, tangy flavor
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor, contains antioxidants
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene and fiber, adds sweetness and crunch
• Bell peppers: Rich in vitamin C, provides color and a crunchy texture
• Parsley & Dill: Adds freshness, rich in antioxidants and vitamins
• Olive oil: Contains healthy fats, enhances flavors, and offers antioxidants
• Lemon Juice: Adds citrusy tang, rich in vitamin C, balances flavors

Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 medium-sized lettuce, chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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How to Make this

1. Start by cleaning all the vegetables and herbs very well with cool running water.

2. Cut the lettuce into pieces that are suitable for a person’s mouth and put it in a bowl that is large enough to hold the completed salad.

3. Dice the cucumber into small cubes after peeling it. Place the cucumber in the bowl with the salad.

4. Cut the medium tomatoes into small chunks and place them in the bowl.

5. Slice the red onion very thinly to your liking and combine it with the remaining elements.

6. Shred the carrots and place them in the bowl.

7. Chop the green and red or yellow bell peppers and add them to the mix.

8. Finely chop fresh parsley and dill and add to the salad for a wonderfully aromatic touch.

9. In another tiny bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, the lemon juice, the salt, and the black pepper to make the dressing.

10. Douse the salad with the dressing and then mix thoroughly so that every part of the salad is coated in dressing. Taste. Does it need more salt? More lemon juice? Add to your liking (blending those ingredients in if you do, for even dressing distribution), and then serve your Mevsim Salatası.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Vegetable peeler
5. Grater
6. Small bowl
7. Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
8. Salad tongs or large spoon (for mixing salad)

FAQ

• Q: Can I make Mevsim Salatasi ahead of time?
  A: Yes, you can prepare the vegetables in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
• Q: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
  A: Absolutely. Romaine or iceberg can be used for a crunchy texture, or you can mix to suit your preference.
• Q: Is there an alternative to extra virgin olive oil?
  A: You can use any light neutral oil like sunflower oil, but extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.
• Q: Can I add cheese to the salad?
  A: Traditionally, Mevsim Salatasi doesn’t include cheese, but you can add feta or another soft cheese for additional flavor.
• Q: What can I use instead of lemon juice?
  A: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be a substitute if you don’t have lemon juice.
• Q: How can I make it spicier?
  A: Add finely chopped green chili or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the salad a spicy kick.
• Q: Can I omit the dill or parsley?
  A: Yes, you can omit or replace them with other herbs like basil or coriander based on personal taste.

Mevsim Salatasi Turkish Season Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One medium-sized chopped romaine lettuce (as a substitute for regular lettuce)
1 diced zucchini (which can be used as a substitute for cucumber)
1 red onion, finely diced (if you like a less intense onion taste)
1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped (use instead of dill for a different herb flavor)
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (instead of lemon juice)

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor of the salad, consider chilling the chopped vegetables in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before assembling. This will help keep the salad crisp and refreshing.

2. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a few crumbles of feta cheese or olives to the salad. These ingredients complement the Mediterranean vibe and add a savory element to the dish.

3. If you want to add some protein to the salad, grilled chicken or shrimp can be a great addition, turning this side dish into a satisfying main course.

4. Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin slices of red onion and evenly shredded carrots. This not only improves the texture of the salad but also ensures each bite is balanced in flavor.

5. Toast some nuts, like walnuts or almonds, and sprinkle them over the salad just before serving to add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor contrast to the vibrant vegetables.