How to make it
4 steps. Take it one step at a time.
Wash all the vegetables
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.
Finely dice the red onion and finely chop the fresh parsley
Finely dice the red onion and finely chop the fresh parsley.
Combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and parsley
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.
Plate the salad individually or keep it
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.
A little kitchen wisdom
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.
