Best 2 Albanian Salad Recipes

In the realm of culinary delights, Albanian salad stands out as a refreshing and vibrant dish that embodies the spirit of the Balkans. Originating from the heart of Albania, this traditional salad boasts a medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet peppers, and red onions, all bathed in a tangy and aromatic dressing. The Albanian salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, offering a perfect balance of freshness, acidity, and a subtle hint of spice. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a light and healthy appetizer, a delightful side dish, or even as a main course when paired with grilled meats or fish. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a culinary novice, the Albanian salad is an absolute must-try, promising an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. This article presents two variations of the classic Albanian salad: the traditional recipe and a refreshing vegan version. Both recipes are easy to follow and packed with wholesome ingredients, ensuring a delightful culinary experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Albania.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ALBANIAN TOSSED SALAD

Albanian Tossed Salad image

Albanian tossed salad is a Greek influenced dish that became very popular throughout Albania. The main ingredients of Albanian tossed salad are romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, feta cheese, black olives, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms. Enjoy!

Provided by Sharon123

Categories Greek

Time 25m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 head romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried and chopped (can substitute with red leaf lettuce or use mix of both)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (( like to chop small)
1 (6 ounce) can pitted black olives, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup sliced cremini mushroom, sliced (optional)
1 cucumber, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (or or and sesame seeds, toasted)
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 lemon, juiced
ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

Toast almonds or sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 3 minutes or so, stirring and watching carefully so as not to burn. Set aside.
Add lettuce, red onion, black olives, green bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, mushrooms(if using) and Feta cheese to large serving bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, fresh lemon juice, and ground black pepper.
Pour vinaigrette over vegetables and serve immediately.

ALBANIAN GREEN SALAD

Albanian Green Salad image

Sallatë Jeshile is a lovely green salad to enjoy next to just about anything. Use whatever is fresh and on hand. Peppers and cucumber would be good in this too.

Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)

Categories Lettuce Salads

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 head romaine lettuce (or any type), cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tomato, quartered
olives, sliced (black, green, or both)
DRESSING:
1/2 c olive oil
2 Tbsp vinegar (white, red, or balsamic)
salt to taste

Steps:

1. Add lettuce, onion, tomato, and olives to a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the dressing and pour over the salad just prior to serving.
3. Toss gently and serve.

Tips:

To ensure the best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers. If you can, try to get them from a local farmer's market or organic grocery store.
If you don't have any fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Just be sure to use half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Feel free to adjust the amount of feta cheese to your liking. If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute another type of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese.
For a vegan version of this salad, simply omit the feta cheese and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil.

Conclusion:

Albanian salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its colorful ingredients and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious side dish, give Albanian salad a try!