BulgariaŠopska Salata
Presented by
Alexandra Agrafioti
Global Vice President
Global Vice President · Greece
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Preparation
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
Šopska Salata is one of the most recognizable dishes of Bulgarian cuisine and has become a true symbol of the country's culinary identity.
Its modern form became established in Bulgaria during the 20th century, and its name is associated with the historical and cultural region of Šopluk. Thanks to its simplicity, freshness, and vibrant appearance, it became extremely popular throughout Bulgaria and eventually across the Balkans.
The philosophy of the dish is based on just a few fresh ingredients: ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, peppers, onion, and a generous layer of grated Bulgarian white sirene cheese.
It perfectly represents the character of Balkan cuisine: simple, generous, seasonal, fresh, and full of flavour.
Ingredients
- 500 g ripe tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber
- 1–2 green peppers
- 1 small onion
- 180–200 g Bulgarian white sirene cheese, finely grated
- 2–3 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 tbsp wine vinegar, or to taste
- Salt, as needed
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
- 1
Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the tomatoes into medium-sized pieces and the cucumber into cubes or half-moon slices.
- 2
Traditionally, the peppers may be used fresh or lightly roasted. Remove the seeds and cut them into thin strips or small pieces.
- 3
Place the tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and finely sliced onion in a large bowl. Season lightly with salt, add the wine vinegar and sunflower oil, and toss gently so that the vegetables retain their texture.
- 4
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate and generously cover the top with finely grated Bulgarian sirene cheese. Finish with a little fresh parsley, if desired.
Plating
Serve fresh and slightly chilled as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, kebapche, Bulgarian sausages, and many other traditional dishes.
Serving suggestion — The secret lies in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. The sirene cheese should not be heavily mixed into the vegetables — it is finely grated over the top just before serving, creating the characteristic white layer that makes Šopska Salata instantly recognizable.
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