A classic Turkish mixed salad, or Çoban Salatası variant, is the ultimate fresh companion to a rich meal. At €9, this dish costs a bit more than the comforting bowls of soup you have looked at. This is because it is piled high with a large portion of fresh, crisp, chopped vegetables and premium olive oil. It is designed to cleanse your palate between bites of savory food.

A traditional Turkish salad does not rely on heavy, creamy dressings or large leafy greens like romaine. Instead, it focuses on finely chopping the freshest summer vegetables so that you get a burst of every single ingredient in every spoonful.

• The Base: Ripe, juicy red tomatoes and crisp cucumbers form the crunchy foundation.
• The Crunch: Finely chopped green bell peppers and sharp red onions add a nice kick.
• The Herbs: A generous handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley is tossed in to bring a bright, earthy flavor.

The dressing on a Turkish mixed salad is simple but incredibly high in quality. It is dressed right before serving so the vegetables stay perfectly crunchy.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A heavy drizzle of rich, fruity oil coats the vegetables.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, sunny sourness that wakes up the flavors.
• Pomegranate Molasses (Nar Ekşisi): Many Turkish restaurants add a splash of this thick, dark syrup. It gives the salad a unique, sweet-and-tangy finish that you cannot find in Western salads.

If you are planning to order a rich meat dish like a kebab, or a heavy soup like Kelle Paça (€8) or İşkembe Çorbası (€7), this salad is a must-have side dish. The sharp acid from the lemon and the clean crunch of the asude düğün salonu cucumbers perfectly cut through the rich oils and heavy meats. It keeps your palate feeling clean and refreshed throughout your dinner.