As a self-proclaimed foodie always on the hunt for a fresh burst of flavors, I stumbled upon this Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad recipe and knew I had to dive in. Get ready for a taste explosion that’s crunchy, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing—perfect for those laid-back summer evenings or whenever you need a zesty escape!
This is my go-to recipe for the zesty Turkish spicy ezme salad that I am in love with. The salad is alive with a mix of textures and flavors that light up your taste buds.
As a side to grilled meats or as a dip with flatbreads, if you make this salad, I can guarantee it will be a regular part of your meal rotation.
Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad Recipe Ingredients
– Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, they add freshness and umami.
– Cucumber: Low in calories and hydrating, bringing crunch and lightness.
– Red Onion: Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor and mild sweetness.
– Green Chilies: Bring heat and a vitamin C boost.
– Pomegranate Molasses: Delivers sweetness and tang, adding depth.
– Sumac: Introduces a tart, lemony kick and a beautiful red hue.
– Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, imparting richness and smoothness.
Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 3 large tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make this Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad Recipe
1. Start by getting your vegetables ready. Dice finely the tomatoes, cucumber, and green bell pepper, and put them in a mixing bowl of ample size.
2. Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the mixed vegetables.
3. Chop the green chilies finely and mix them into the bowl.
4. Put the other ingredients in the bowl, and then stir in the perfectly chopped, vibrant parsley and fresh mint.
5. Combine the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and lemon juice in a separate small bowl and whisk them together until well combined.
6. In the large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and the vinaigrette.
7. Evenly distribute the sumac and red pepper flakes atop the salad.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and black pepper as needed to the salad, and mixing well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
9. Give the Ezme Salad at least 10 minutes to sit before serving it. This allows the flavors to meld together.
10. The Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad makes a wonderful appetizer or side dish. Its flavors are vibrant and spicy and it is refreshing, which makes it a perfect dish for summer—or any time of the year, really!
Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Mixing bowl (large)
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring spoons
FAQ
- What is Ezme Salad?Traditional Turkish dish Ezme Salad is finely chopped and brimming with fresh flavors. It is served as a meze or side dish.
- Can I make Ezme Salad in advance?You can absolutely ready it a few hours in advance and allow the flavors to marry. It is simply most delicious when enjoyed immediately. The next best time to eat it is a few scant hours after it’s been brought together.
- What can I use if I don’t have pomegranate molasses?A mix of balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey can be used as a substitute to achieve a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
- Is Ezme Salad spicy?Ezme Salad has a mild kick from the green chilies and red pepper flakes, but you can lower the heat and still have a delicious dish. That’s because the layers of flavor this salad has—cucumber, tomato, onion, and parsley, plus lemon juice and pomegranate molasses—give it all the taste it needs.
- Can I add other vegetables to the salad?Of course! Extra crunch and flavor can come from finely chopped radishes or a little bit of red bell pepper.
- How should I serve Ezme Salad?Present it as a side dish with grilled meats; serve it alongside pita bread, or in a spread of diverse meze dishes.
- Is this salad vegan?Indeed, every ingredient in this recipe is derived from plants and is suitable for vegans.
Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Shallots can replace red onion in a dish for a milder taste.
A sweeter taste can be achieved by replacing green bell pepper with a yellow or red bell pepper.
Pomegranate molasses can be substituted with balsamic glaze for a different type of sweetness and acidity.
Basil can be used in place of fresh mint, which gives this recipe an unexpected twist.
Cayenne pepper can be used in place of red pepper flakes when a similar level of heat is desired.
Pro Tips
1. Chill Your Ingredients: Before starting, chill your tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers in the refrigerator. This ensures the salad is refreshing and crisp when served.
2. Uniform Cutting: Aim for uniformity when dicing the vegetables. This ensures that every bite has a consistent texture and flavor balance.
3. Enhance the Dressing: For added depth of flavor, consider toasting the sumac briefly in a dry pan to release its oils before adding it to the salad.
4. Resting Time: Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after mixing. This will let the flavors meld more intensely than the suggested 10 minutes.
5. Serve with Bread: For an authentic touch, serve the Ezme Salad with warm pita bread or flatbread to scoop up the salad, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad Recipe
My favorite Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Mixing bowl (large)
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring spoons
Ingredients:
- 3 large tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Start by getting your vegetables ready. Dice finely the tomatoes, cucumber, and green bell pepper, and put them in a mixing bowl of ample size.
2. Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the mixed vegetables.
3. Chop the green chilies finely and mix them into the bowl.
4. Put the other ingredients in the bowl, and then stir in the perfectly chopped, vibrant parsley and fresh mint.
5. Combine the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and lemon juice in a separate small bowl and whisk them together until well combined.
6. In the large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and the vinaigrette.
7. Evenly distribute the sumac and red pepper flakes atop the salad.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and black pepper as needed to the salad, and mixing well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
9. Give the Ezme Salad at least 10 minutes to sit before serving it. This allows the flavors to meld together.
10. The Turkish Spicy Ezme Salad makes a wonderful appetizer or side dish. Its flavors are vibrant and spicy and it is refreshing, which makes it a perfect dish for summer—or any time of the year, really!
