Gavurdağ salad is a classic from southern Turkey, but for many of us it’s simply part of everyday home cooking. It’s a salad that appears in the middle of the table without ceremony, served alongside grilled meat, kebabs, or just good bread. What makes it special is the balance. Finely chopped tomatoes form the base, walnuts add richness, onion brings sharpness, and a simple dressing pulls everything together. It’s fresh but grounded, bold without being heavy. The key is cutt

This salad leans on contrast and balance rather than bold flavors. Peppery arugula forms the base, avocado adds a smooth, creamy note, and toasted pine nuts bring warmth and crunch. Parmesan finishes the salad with just enough sharpness, giving each ingredient a clear role and creating a bowl that feels considered, balanced, and quietly elegant without trying to impress. Ingredients 85 g arugula 1 medium ripe avocado 100 g cherry tomatoes 20–25 g pine nuts, toasted 2 tablespo

If you can’t decide whether to serve a meze, a starter, or a simple salad, this roasted bell pepper and tomato salad fits right in. Made with oven-roasted peppers, soft tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, it works equally well on a Mediterranean meze table, as a light appetizer, or as an easy side dish to place in the middle of the table with bread. Ingredients 2–3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), halved and seeds removed 4–5 medium tomatoes, halved Extra virgin olive oil

Every Turkish home has its own version of Şakşuka. I love how humble it is. A few fresh vegetables, some patience with the frying, and suddenly you have something that feels abundant and generous. Whether it’s served as a meze or with bread for lunch, it’s one of those timeless recipes that never loses its charm. Ingredients For the vegetables 2 medium eggplants 2 zucchinis 2 medium potatoes Sunflower oil, for frying Salt For the tomato sauce 400 g ripe tomatoes (peeled and c

I’m a huge fan of avocado toast, but today I didn’t have a big slice of sourdough bread waiting for me. So I improvised and turned it into a bread-free salad instead. Creamy avocado, a soft poached egg, and sweet roasted tomatoes came together on my plate, and with a handful of greens it turned into a light but filling lunch that I’ll definitely be making again. Ingredients 1 ripe avocado Juice of half a lemon Salt and black pepper 1 large egg A handful of arugula or baby spi

This roasted aubergine salad has become one of my little comforts at home. The aubergine turns silky in the oven, the garlic-lemon dressing brings it to life, and the goat cheese melts in just enough to make it creamy. I usually think of it as a side dish, but honestly, when I’m working from home, I often make a bowl of this and call it lunch. It’s simple, warm, and always hits the spot. Ingredients For the aubergine 2 medium aubergines, cut into cubes (skin on or zebra-peele

When I’m working from home and only have a short break between meetings, this smoked salmon and avocado wrap is the kind of lunch I reach for. It takes minutes to put together but never feels boring. Creamy avocado mashed with lemon and herbs, a swipe of cream cheese, and silky smoked salmon all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. It’s fresh, filling, and exactly the kind of simple food that makes the workday feel lighter. Ingredients 100 g smoked salmon, torn into bite-sized piec

This zucchini mezze is one of those dishes that feels light yet so satisfying. The zucchini is grated, sautéed until tender, then cooled and mixed with garlicky yogurt. A drizzle of paprika-butter with dried mint on top makes it complete. It’s a meze you can bring to the table as a starter, a side dish, or even enjoy as a light lunch with bread. Ingredients Serves 4–6 as a side 4 medium zucchinis 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 garlic clove, grated 300 g plain yogurt (or half yogur

This is the potato salad I make on repeat. It’s fresh and bright with plenty of herbs, lightly creamy from a touch of mayo, and has the perfect tang from lemon and Dijon mustard. It’s the kind of side dish that fits everywhere — whether it’s burgers on a weeknight, a BBQ with friends, or packed up for a picnic. I love how easy it is too. While the potatoes gently simmer, you can whisk up the dressing, and by the time they’re cool enough to handle, everything comes together in

Salads have always been more than a side dish in my kitchen. On busy days especially, I often build a bowl that’s filling enough to count as lunch or dinner on its own. This spinach and lentil salad is one of those meals I come back to when I want something fresh but still comforting. A base of tender spinach, green lentils, and juicy cherry tomatoes makes it hearty without feeling heavy. The halloumi is pan-fried until golden and served warm on top, adding that familiar salt

There’s something about this salad that instantly takes me back to Istanbul. I can still see myself sitting by the Bosphorus in a little seafood restaurant, the sound of waves in the background, and a table full of mezze. Among all the colorful dishes, this simple tomato onion salad surprised me the most. Juicy summer tomatoes, sweet red onions, and that unexpected soy sauce dressing that gives it a fresh, tangy, umami-packed flavor. It’s light and vibrant yet somehow so sati

I didn’t grow up with frozen fries from a bag. At home, fries were always hand-cut, uneven, and a little unpredictable — some crisp and...

These baked cheesy mushrooms look impressive, taste indulgent, and come together with almost no effort — just the way I like it on a busy...

Mashed potatoes have a special place in our home. They’re the kind of side dish I make when I want dinner to feel a little extra...

This is one of those salads I come back to again and again—simple, fresh, and ready in just a few minutes. Peppery rucola, sweet cherry...

“Zeytinyağlı taze fasulye” is one of those dishes that instantly transports me to a Turkish summer afternoon—windows open, breeze...

Some recipes are just part of your everyday rhythm — simple, reliable, and endlessly refreshing. This creamy dill cucumber salad is one...

There are certain dishes that instantly take you back in time. For me, kısır will always be tied to the golden glow of altın günü—those lively Turkish afternoon gatherings where women came together to share food, laughter, and, in the past, tiny pieces of gold as gifts. Nowadays, the gold may have disappeared (thanks, economy), but kısır remains a shining centerpiece of the table. Growing up, I’d often tag along with my mom to these get-togethers. The living room would be fil

Potato salad has always had a place in my kitchen. It shows up next to grilled fish, alongside meat, or on its own when I want something simple and familiar. I learned it early, adjusted it over the years, and kept it close to how I actually like to eat. This is the version I make most often. Olive oil instead of mayonnaise, lemon for freshness, herbs for balance. It rests, settles, and tastes better after a few hours, which is why I usually make it ahead and keep it in the f

This version of Caesar Salad is lighter and more everyday-friendly, made without raw eggs or Worcestershire sauce, and with ingredients that are easy to find. The dressing is creamy thanks to Greek yogurt, balanced with lemon, Parmesan, and a small splash of soy sauce for depth. It keeps that familiar Caesar character without feeling heavy. Add crisp romaine and homemade croutons, and you have a salad that works just as well on its own as it does next to grilled chicken, fish