Turkish Ezme Salad Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that come together beautifully with a zesty kick from the lemon juice and pomegranate molasses. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, making it the perfect go-to dish for impressing friends at a summer BBQ or as part of my meze spread—it’s refreshing and absolutely delicious!

One of my favorite Turkish side dishes is Ezme Salatası. It is full of fresh and vivid flavors from the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and green peppers.

It partners perfectly with the tangy lemon juice and the sweet pomegranate molasses. I love how the parsley adds a bright herbal punch, and then there’s the depth that the garlic brings.

Ingredients

Tomatoes: High in vitamin C, antioxidants, ensures heart health.

Cucumber: Moist, low-calorie, a fine source of roughage.

Contains quercetin, aids digestion, adds a sharp flavor: Red onion.

Garlic: Enhances immune system, reduces inflammation, has a strong flavor.

High in vitamins K and C, supports bone health, and freshens dishes: parsley.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil: Fats that are healthy for the heart, properties that are anti-inflammatory, texture that is smooth.

Juice of Lemon: Source of Vitamin C, brings a flavor bite, helps in digesting.

Pomegranate Molasses: Flavor component that is sweet and tart, brimming with antioxidants, and boosts dressing.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 large tomatoes, finely diced
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and finely diced
• 2 green peppers, finely diced
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare all your vegetables to start: the tomatoes, cucumber, green peppers, and red onion should be finely diced and placed in a large mixing bowl.

2. Chop the garlic finely and put it in the bowl with the diced vegetables.

3. Chop the parsley finely and add it to the mixture in the bowl.

4. In another small bowl, thoroughly combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses by whisking them together.

5. Diced vegetables receive the dressing poured over them. A thorough coating of the ingredients is ensured through careful mixing.

6. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Gently toss to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the salad.

7. Sample the salad and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to accommodate your taste preferences.

8. Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving, so the flavors can meld together.

9. Ensure once again that the salad is well mixed before transferring it to a serving dish.

10. Accompany grilled meats with the Turkish Ezme Salad, or include it in your meze spread. Either way, savor this refreshing and spicy salad that is a specialty of southeast Turkey.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spoon or spatula for mixing
9. Serving dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use regular molasses instead of pomegranate molasses?Pomegranate molasses has an incomparable sweet and tangy flavor. Using regular molasses will alter the flavor profile, but you can approximate pomegranate molasses by using molasses, adding a splash of lemon juice, and using the mixture to glaze whatever you’re glazing.
• Q: Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?It is recommended that the cucumber be peeled for a smoother texture. However, it is absolutely fine to leave it unpeeled. The skin adds crunch to the food and also has a number of nutrients in it.
• Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?Q: You can make it a few hours in advance, but for the freshest texture, mix in the olive oil and lemon juice just before serving.
• Q: What can I use instead of red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level?A: For a milder version, you can use finely chopped fresh chili or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
• Q: Can I use another type of onion?Mild, slightly sweet red onion is the most common choice; however, it is acceptable to use white or yellow onion if that is what you have.
• Q: How can I make the salad more filling?Chickpeas, feta cheese, and grilled chicken can be added to the salad to make it more filling.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute cherry tomatoes, finely chopped, for a sweeter taste.
Zucchini: Substitute with cucumber, finely diced.
Green peppers: Substitute with red or yellow bell peppers for a milder flavor and a pop of color.
Red onion: Substitute shallots for a milder flavor.
Cilantro can be replaced with parsley, which provides a more herbal flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Choose Ripe Tomatoes Use ripe, juicy tomatoes to enhance the overall flavor and freshness of the salad. They will provide natural sweetness and juiciness, balancing the tartness of the lemon juice and pomegranate molasses.

2. Uniform Vegetable Size Finely dice all vegetables uniformly to ensure even distribution and a consistent texture in every bite. This consistency will also help in the absorption of flavors from the dressing.

3. Garlic Flavor Adjustment If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic before mincing it. Roasting will mellow the pungency and add a subtle sweetness.

4. Chill Before Serving After allowing the salad to sit at room temperature to meld the flavors, you can chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes before serving to enhance its refreshing quality.

5. Enhance with Fresh Herbs Consider adding fresh mint or cilantro along with parsley for additional layers of flavor and aroma, which can complement the other ingredients beautifully.