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Mediterranean-Style Salad (Shopski Style)

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Finished Shopski Salad with vegetables, brynza, olives, and olive oil

Looking for a refreshing and colorful dish? This Mediterranean-Style Salad (Shopski Style) is a vibrant and simple recipe packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, grilled bell peppers, and creamy brynza cheese. It’s a perfect warm-weather salad that brings out the best in fresh vegetables and Mediterranean flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean-Style Salad (Shopski Style)

  • Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Perfect for summer meals, barbecues, or a light lunch
  • Full of color, flavor, and nutrients
  • Inspired by a traditional Balkan favorite

Ingredients for a Mediterranean-Style Salad (Shopski Style)
Fresh ingredients for Shopski Salad including tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, brynza, and olives

  • 3–4 ripe tomatoes
  • 1 long (English) cucumber, peeled
  • 1 bell pepper (can be used raw or lightly sautéed)
  • 1/4 red onion
  • 60 g feta cheese (or use brynza if available)
  • A handful of Kalamata or black olives
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make a Mediterranean-Style Salad (Shopski Style)

Step 1 – Prepare the vegetables
Wash and chop the tomatoes. Peel and slice the cucumber. Thinly slice the red onion. Dice the bell pepper — you can leave it raw for a crisp bite or lightly fry it in a dry pan for a touch of smokiness.
Peeled and chopped cucumber on a white plate for Shopski Salad

Step 2 – Combine ingredients
Place the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in a large salad bowl. Add the olives and crumble the feta or brynza on top.

Grilled bell pepper slices for Shopski Salad

Step 3 – Dress the salad
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with a little salt. Gently toss to combine. Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

Shopski Salad served in a bowl before adding olive oil

Tips for the Best Mediterranean Salad

  • Use ripe, flavorful vegetables — the taste depends on the quality and freshness of your ingredients.
  • Lightly coat the bell pepper in olive oil and sauté it if you prefer a warmer, richer flavor.
  • If using brynza, remember it’s saltier than feta, so adjust the added salt accordingly.
  • Let the salad rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

    Looking for a delicious side to pair with this refreshing Mediterranean-style salad? Try our Garlic Yogurt Flatbread for a perfect match. Its warm, savory flavors are the ideal accompaniment to the crisp and tangy salad!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. However, for the best texture and flavor, add the olive oil, salt, and parsley just before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While feta and brynza are traditional, you can also use goat cheese or even mozzarella for a milder taste.

What can I use instead of olives?
If you’re not a fan of olives, you can skip them or replace them with capers or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a similar salty depth.

Is this salad vegetarian and gluten-free?
Yes, this Shopski-style Mediterranean salad is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. Just make sure your cheese doesn’t contain any animal rennet if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.

Can I use green bell pepper instead of red or yellow?
Yes! Any color of bell pepper works. Red and yellow are sweeter, while green is more peppery and bold — choose based on your flavor preference.

Finished Shopski Salad with vegetables, brynza, olives, and olive oil

Mediterranean-Style Salad with Feta, Olives & Fresh Vegetables

A refreshing, colorful salad made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, grilled or fresh bell pepper, olives, and creamy brynza cheese. Perfect for summer meals, Mediterranean spreads, or as a light side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 3 –4 ripe tomatoes
  • 1 long cucumber peeled
  • 1 bell pepper Bulgarian or regular
  • ¼ red onion
  • 60 g brynza cheese or use feta as an alternative
  • A handful of olives Kalamata or black olives
  • 1 –2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
  • Peel the cucumber, slice lengthwise, and cut into half-moons.
  • Cut the tomatoes into small wedges or chunks.
  • Thinly slice the red onion.
  • Slice the bell pepper and lightly grill in a pan for 4–5 minutes for extra flavor, or use fresh if preferred.
  • Add all the chopped vegetables and olives to a salad bowl.
  • Crumble the brynza cheese over the top.
  • Season with salt to taste.
  • Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and gently toss before serving.

Notes

Brynza cheese has a crumbly, slightly tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a great substitute.
The quality of vegetables makes a big difference in flavor—use fresh, ripe produce for the best result.
This salad is also great as a side for grilled meats or as part of a light Mediterranean meal.
Bell pepper can be grilled or used raw depending on your preference.
Keyword Bulgarian salad, Healthy summer salad, Mediterranean salad, Salad with brynza, Shopski Salad

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