Gaziantep-Style Spicy Tomato and Walnut Salad (Gavurdağı Salatası)
This Gaziantep-Style Spicy Tomato and Walnut Salad, known as Gavurdağı Salatası, is a vibrant and texturally rich dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Featuring ripe tomatoes, crunchy walnuts, and a kick of heat, it's a salad that's sure to awaken your taste buds.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 large Tomatoes about 2 lbs / 900g, finely chopped
- 1 medium English cucumber about 8 oz / 225g, finely chopped
- 1 large Green bell pepper about 6 oz / 170g, finely chopped
- 1 small Red onion about 4 oz / 115g, finely chopped
- 1 cup Walnuts 4 oz / 115g, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Flat-leaf parsley about 2 oz / 60g, chopped
- 2 tbsp Pomegranate molasses
- 3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp Sumac
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes or to taste
- Fresh lemon juice From 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your vegetables. Thoroughly wash and dry the tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, and parsley. Finely chop the tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, and red onion, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the roughly chopped walnuts to the bowl, along with the chopped flat-leaf parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses, extra-virgin olive oil, sumac, red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon juice to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt to taste and give the salad another gentle mix to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes. If pomegranate molasses is not available, you can substitute it with a mix of balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Serve this salad as part of a mezze spread or as a refreshing side to grilled meats.