{"id":"recipe_43b4d60368","slug":"shopska-salad","title":"Shopska Salad","description":"A refreshing Bulgarian national treasure, this crisp salad features vibrant summer vegetables piled high with a snow-like topping of grated white brine cheese.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":20},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"4 large tomatoes","name":"Tomato","quantity":4,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":4,"usUnit":"piece","form":"cubed","notes":"large, ripe","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"2 long cucumbers","name":"Cucumber","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"cubed","notes":"peeled if skin is thick","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"3 bell peppers","name":"Bell Pepper","quantity":3,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":3,"usUnit":"piece","form":"chopped","notes":"roasted or fresh, preferably green and red","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 red onion","name":"Red Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"finely diced","notes":"small to medium","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"200g Sirene cheese","name":"Sirene Cheese","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":7,"usUnit":"oz","form":"grated","notes":"Bulgarian white brine cheese; can substitute with firm Feta","group":"Dairy","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1/2 bunch fresh parsley","name":"Chopped Parsley","quantity":0.5,"unit":"bunch","usQuantity":0.5,"usUnit":"bunch","form":"chopped","notes":"fresh flat-leaf","group":"Herbs","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"30ml sunflower oil","name":"Sunflower Oil","quantity":30,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"or extra virgin olive oil","group":"Pantry","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"15ml red wine vinegar","name":"Red Wine Vinegar","quantity":15,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"or apple cider vinegar","group":"Pantry","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"Salt to taste","name":"Salt","quantity":1,"unit":"pinch","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"pinch","form":"","notes":"adjust based on saltiness of cheese","group":"Pantry","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Wash all the vegetables. Peel the cucumbers if the skin is thick or bitter. Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.","group":"Prep","title":"Wash all the vegetables","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Prep"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Finely dice the red onion and finely chop the fresh parsley.","group":"Prep","title":"Finely dice the red onion and finely chop the fresh parsley","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Prep"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and parsley. Drizzle with sunflower oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle with a little salt, but keep in mind that the cheese will be quite salty. Toss gently to combine.","group":"Mixing","title":"Combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and parsley","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Mixing"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Plate the salad individually or keep it in the large bowl. Finely grate the Sirene cheese over the top of the vegetables until they are completely covered in a white layer of cheese.","group":"Finishing","title":"Plate the salad individually or keep it","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"}],"notes":"Traditional Shopska salad is often served with a small glass of rakia. For the most authentic flavor, use Bulgarian Sirene cheese, which is saltier and tangier than Greek feta. Roasted peppers add a smoky depth, though raw peppers are also common.","cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Bulgarian"]},"course":["salad"],"cookingMethod":["no_cook"],"equipment":["grater","large salad bowl","knife","cutting board"],"diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","low_carb"],"allergens":["milk"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":4,"unit":"serving","note":""},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"You can chop the vegetables and mix them with dressing up to 2 hours ahead, but do not add the cheese until right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that the vegetables will release juices once salted and dressed.","reheatingNotes":"Serve cold."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_43b4d60368%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=5f49c3ba-a7ef-4f50-aaf9-0f42d3d49095","imageAlt":"Shopska Salad — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["salad","fresh","low carb","vegetable","traditional"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Shopska Salad","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T05:13:23.302Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T05:13:23.302Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_64bc72ba95","slug":"apple-ginger-drink","title":"Apple Ginger Drink","description":"A warming and aromatic Eastern European beverage made with fresh apples, zesty ginger, and a hint of honey. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a refreshing vitamin boost.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["drink"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","flexitarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_fat"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_64bc72ba95%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=88fc0711-9ce8-4218-ba83-8d4c46dff200","imageAlt":"Apple Ginger Drink — recipe cover","tags":["warming","healthy","ginger","apple","vitamins","winter drink"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":4},{"id":"recipe_943b7108be","slug":"buckwheat-porridge-hrechana-kasha","title":"Buckwheat Porridge (Hrechana Kasha)","description":"A nutritious, nutty, and comforting Eastern European staple. This fluffy buckwheat porridge is a healthy, gluten-free dish that is perfect for breakfast or as a hearty side.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["main","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_943b7108be%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=7dd38cb8-7bb4-48fd-b6e8-db1d1eed0a49","imageAlt":"Buckwheat Porridge (Hrechana Kasha) — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","gluten-free","grains","comfort food","ukrainian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":5},{"id":"cesnecka_3c0664ee63","slug":"cesnecka-czech-garlic-soup","title":"Česnečka (Czech Garlic Soup)","description":"A restorative and punchy Czech garlic soup, traditionally served with crispy croutons and melted cheese. Known for its healing properties, it's a comforting staple of Eastern European cuisine.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Czech"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["high_protein","mediterranean"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fcesnecka_3c0664ee63%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=f94edd5a-d39d-486a-aee1-63c98bcf6625","imageAlt":"Česnečka (Czech Garlic Soup) — recipe cover","tags":["garlic","soup","czech","comfort food","healthy"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":10,"stepCount":6}]}