Turkish Checkerboard Salad with Feta and Olives
This Turkish Checkerboard Salad combines creamy feta, mixed olives, Aleppo pepper, and a simple lemon olive oil dressing. An easy Mediterranean mezze dish perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 250 - 300 g Feta Cheese
- Handful Olives
- ½ small Lemon Juice and Zest
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo Pepper
- Fresh Parsley
- ⅙ teaspoon Dry Mint
- Ground Black Pepper
Optional Additions
- Thinly sliced red chilli
- Nigella seeds
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sumac
- Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients - Cube the feta into evenly sized pieces. Drain the olives well. Finely chop the parsley and mint.
- Create the checkerboard pattern - Arrange alternating cubes of feta and olives across a serving platter, creating a checkerboard effect. Take your time here, as the presentation is what makes this dish special. Add Lemon Zest.
- Add the herbs - Scatter the chopped parsley and mint evenly over the top
- Dress the salad - Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Drizzle over the feta and olives.
- Finish and serve - Sprinkle with Aleppo pepper and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
- Use block feta rather than pre-crumbled feta for the best presentation
- A mix of green and black olives creates more visual contrast
- Add the dressing just before serving
- Use good quality olive oil since the flavour is very noticeable
- Chill the ingredients before assembling for the freshest result
Variations
Sumac Feta SaladAdd a generous sprinkle of sumac for extra citrusy flavour. Pomegranate Version
Scatter over pomegranate seeds for sweetness and colour. Turkish Breakfast Style (Kalvati)
Serve alongside tomatoes, cucumbers, boiled eggs, and warm bread. Herb Loaded Version
Add extra mint, parsley, and dill for a fresher finish.
What to Serve with Turkish Checkerboard Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with: It is particularly beautiful as part of a Turkish breakfast spread or mezze table.Storage
FridgeStore in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make Ahead Tip
Assemble the checkerboard pattern a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the dressing and herbs just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Olives Work Best?
A combination of green olives and Kalamata olives creates the best flavour and presentation.Can I Add Vegetables?
Absolutely. Roasted peppers or sliced radishes work particularly well.Nutrition
Calories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 9gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 721mgPotassium: 67mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 417IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 313mgIron: 1mg
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