Bulgarian vegetable salad

Bulgarian Vegetable Salad - a Feast of Flavors and Colors

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Are you dreaming of a fresh and flavorful salad? Bulgarian vegetable salad is the perfect choice! It is a simple and quick recipe, ideal for warm summer days or as a side dish for a festive meal. Plus, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, providing excellent nutritional value. So, get ready to delight your taste buds with this vibrant recipe!

Ingredients:
- 4 ripe and juicy tomatoes (preferably garden tomatoes)
- 1 red onion (or white if you prefer a sweeter taste)
- 2 medium cucumbers (choose thick ones for extra crunch)
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green, depending on your preference)
- 100 g feta cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Extra virgin olive oil (about 3-4 tablespoons)
- Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (1-2 tablespoons, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, and onion very well. Make sure they are fresh, as they are the stars of the recipe. Cut the tomatoes into even slices, the onion into thin strips, and you can partially peel the cucumbers for a more attractive look and pleasant texture. Cut the bell pepper in half and remove the seeds.

2. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, add the sliced tomatoes, onion, cucumbers, and bell pepper. Gently mix to avoid damaging the appearance of the vegetables. If desired, you can add crumbled feta cheese on top for a salty and creamy taste.

3. Preparing the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to emulsify the dressing and achieve a uniform consistency.

4. Final assembly: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to coat all the vegetables. Let the salad sit for a few minutes for the flavors to combine perfectly.

5. Serving: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Bulgarian vegetable salad is delicious on its own or alongside grilled meat, pastries, or grain-based dishes.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as radishes or olives, to diversify the recipe.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, add a few slices of chili pepper or a little cayenne pepper.
- Use high-quality olive oil for a more intense flavor.
- The salad can be stored in the fridge, covered, for 1-2 days, but it is always better fresh.

Personal note: I recommend experimenting with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, to give an original twist to this classic recipe. You can personalize your salad according to your preferences and turn it into a true culinary feast.

This Bulgarian vegetable salad is not only a simple recipe but also an explosion of colors and flavors that will attract all healthy food lovers! Enjoy every bite!