Kazakh Qurt Salad
A refreshing and tangy salad featuring qurt, a traditional dried salty cheese, combined with fresh vegetables. This salad offers a unique flavor profile, balancing the saltiness of qurt with the crispness of cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
🧂 Ingredients
- 150 g Qurt (dried salty cheese)(crumbled or finely chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 medium Cucumbers(diced)
- 1/2 medium Red onion(thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the crumbled qurt, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion.
💡 Tip: Ensure all vegetables are well-drained if washed. - 2
Add the chopped fresh dill and parsley to the bowl.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs are key to the salad's vibrant flavor. - 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice to create a dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: The saltiness of qurt can vary, so taste before adding too much salt. - 4
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
💡 Tip: Toss just before serving to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy. - 5
Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Qurt can be quite salty, so adjust the added salt accordingly.
- ✓If qurt is too hard, you can soak it in a little water or milk for a few minutes to soften it before crumbling.
- ✓This salad is best served fresh.
- ✓For a more substantial meal, add some cooked grains like quinoa or bulgur.
🔄 Variations
- Add bell peppers (any color) for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Include some cooked chicken or boiled eggs for a protein boost.
- A pinch of sumac can add an extra layer of tanginess.