Gavurdagi Salatasi Recipe

This Gavurdağı Salatası recipe is my absolute favorite because it combines fresh, vibrant veggies with a tangy-sweet pomegranate molasses dressing that dances on my taste buds. Plus, the crunchy walnuts and hint of sumac make every bite a delightful explosion of texture and flavor!

Gavurdagi Salatasi is a Turkish salad that has a vibrant quality in both flavor and texture. I love how the fresh, crunchy, finely diced tomatoes, cucumber, and green bell pepper come together with the richness of chopped walnuts.

I can never have just one bite of this salad, and I usually have it as my main dish. The dressing with pomegranate molasses is to die for, and it synergizes perfectly with the extra-virgin olive oil to add a perfect amount of brightness and tang to the dish.

Sumac is a flavoring that is not often used, but it really takes this salad to another level. And of course, fresh parsley is the way to go.

Ingredients

Tomatoes: They are packed with vitamin C and lycopene, and they contribute a lot of juiciness and flavor.

Cucumber: Providing hydration and a delightful crunch, this vegetable has an extremely high water content.

Sweetness, vitamins A and C, and very few calories make green bell peppers a good food choice.

Walnuts are rich in healthy omega-3 and protein, and they add crunchy, nutty flavors.

Pomegranate molasses: Offers a flavor profile that is sweet and tart, provides abundant antioxidants.

Sumac: Yields a zesty, lemon-flavored note that is high in antioxidants.

Olive oil, extra virgin: Heart-healthy fats, enhance flavor, and aid nutrient absorption.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large tomatoes, finely diced
• 1 large cucumber, finely diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 small onions, finely diced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes (very finely diced), cucumber (very finely diced), green bell pepper (very finely diced), and onion (very finely diced).

2. In the bowl, combine the other vegetables with the finely chopped walnuts and fresh parsley, gently mixing them together.

3. In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and fresh lemon juice, whisking to blend them into a cohesive dressing.

4. Put the sumac over the vegetable mix in the large bowl.

5. Drench the salad with the dressing.

6. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

7. If you would like, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

8. Tenderly mix all the components of the salad until they are thoroughly coated with the dressing.

9. Allow the flavors to meld in the salad for 10-15 minutes. Then serve.

10. Present the Gavurdagi Salatasi a la minute, as a fresh side dish or starter. Relish!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small bowl or jar
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Whisk or fork
8. Spoon or spatula for mixing

FAQ

• What is Gavurdagi Salatasi?Gavurdagi Salatasi is a salad that is a traditional part of Turkish cuisine. The fresh, vibrant flavors of this dish come from the finely diced vegetables, walnuts, and a tangy dressing that is the traditional way of preparing this salad.
• Can I substitute pomegranate molasses?If pomegranate molasses isn’t available, try using a mixture of balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar as a substitute. The result will be something that mirrors the sweet and tangy flavor of pomegranate molasses.
• Is this salad spicy?Gavurdagi Salatasi isn’t spicy when it comes right out of the bowl. But if you’re like me and you enjoy a bit of heat, you can dosh it with red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste.
• How should I serve this salad?This salad can serve as a refreshing appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. Perfect with grilled meats, it can also appear as part of a mezze platter.
• Can I make Gavurdagi Salatasi in advance?Prepare the salad a couple of hours in advance, and it will still be fresh when you serve it. For best results, serve this salad so that its layers of flavor are at their peak. If you’d like to make it ahead, hold the dressing until just before serving.
• Are there any variations to this recipe?The classic version contains the listed ingredients, but you can change it up by adding ingredients like feta cheese or adjusting the herbs to better suit your taste.
• How long will the leftovers keep?– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. They will lose texture and flavor with every additional hour they sit in the fridge after you first take them out.

Substitutions and Variations

Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes can be used in place of regular tomatoes.
Cucumber: use an English cucumber or Persian cucumber for a comparable texture.
Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts for a completely different and equally delicious nutty flavor.
Lemon juice—substitute lime juice or apple cider vinegar for similar acidity.
Pomegranate molasses: if you can’t find it, use balsamic glaze. If you can’t find that, then mix together equal parts pomegranate juice and honey.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Ingredients Before you begin, chill your tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onions in the refrigerator. This ensures that the salad is refreshing and crisp when served.

2. Toast the Walnuts Lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This enhances their flavor and adds a nutty depth to the salad.

3. Let It Rest After mixing all the ingredients together, let the salad sit for a bit longer, around 20-30 minutes, for the flavors to meld even more. This resting time allows the dressing to fully integrate with the vegetables.

4. Adjust Acidity to Taste Pomegranate molasses and lemon juice can vary in acidity. Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the balance with more lemon juice or even a pinch of sugar if needed.

5. Enhance with Fresh Herbs If available, add a bit of finely chopped mint or cilantro alongside the parsley. This can brighten the dish and add an extra layer of fresh, aromatic flavor.