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TURKISH-STYLE CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD – LIGHT & REFRESHING

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
TURKISH-STYLE CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD – LIGHT & REFRESHING

TURKISH-STYLE CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD – LIGHT & REFRESHING

This simple and refreshing Turkish tomato salad is perfect as a light side dish. Enjoy it plain with Lebanese flatbread, paired with hummus, or alongside grilled meats like shish kebab. For a creamy twist, mix it into yogurt with roughly chopped walnuts.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 small ripe tomatoes (~450 g), meaty and sweet
  • 2 green onions (spring onions)
  • 1 mild Bulgarian chili pepper (semi-spicy), deseeded
  • ½ bunch fresh parsley
  • 2 sprigs fresh mint
  • 2 tsp chili paste (aromatic pepper paste)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, black pepper, chili flakes to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut off the stem end of the tomatoes and slice off a thin cap.
  2. Cut the tomatoes into halves. Preheat a grill pan over high heat for 5 minutes without oil.
  3. Lightly brush tomato halves with olive oil and grill 2 minutes per side until slightly charred.
  4. Transfer tomatoes to a bowl and let cool completely. Peel off skins easily once cooled.
  5. Finely chop parsley, mint, deseeded chili, and green onions. Chop them together further with a knife to mix well. Transfer to a salad bowl.
  6. Dice peeled tomatoes into small cubes, avoiding excess juice (discard juice). Add chili paste and chop the tomato cubes lightly again to combine with paste.
  7. Add the chopped tomatoes to the herb mixture and gently toss. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
  8. Gradually drizzle olive oil while mixing gently. Add lemon juice.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning and lemon juice to balance sweet, sour, and mildly spicy flavors.

💡 Tips

  • Use firm, ripe, and meaty tomatoes for best texture and flavor.
  • Grilling tomatoes adds smoky depth and softens the flesh.
  • Fresh herbs and chili paste provide brightness and subtle heat.
  • Perfect to prepare alongside your homemade pepper paste for winter storage.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Light summer lunches or dinners
  • Accompanying Middle Eastern dishes
  • Healthy, flavorful side salads

📝 Final Thoughts

This Turkish-style chopped tomato salad offers a vibrant mix of grilled tomatoes, fresh herbs, and gentle spice, creating a refreshing and versatile dish that pairs beautifully with flatbreads, dips, and grilled meats.