Sallatë Fshatare (Albanian Village Salad)

Sallatë fshatare is the Albanian farmhouse salad found on nearly every table in summer: ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and a soft brined cheese called djathë, dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar. It’s rustic, bright, and built entirely around what’s ripe that week.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives
• 4 oz Albanian djathë or feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh oregano or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cut the vegetables
   Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the olives
   Scatter the olives over the vegetables.
3. Dress the salad
   Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently.
4. Top with cheese
   Crumble the cheese generously over the top; do not toss it in, so it stays in visible chunks.
5. Garnish and serve
   Sprinkle with fresh oregano or parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread.

Serve alongside grilled meats or simply with warm bread for a light lunch.