Turkish Ezme

If you've ever enjoyed Turkish cuisine, you'll know that Meze is at the heart of every gathering, and Ezme is one of its brightest stars. This zesty Turkish salsa is bursting with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, peppers, and a hint of heat, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, warm bread, or simply as a refreshing dip on a hot day. Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, a cosy dinner party, or want to add a pop of flavour to your table, Ezme is a quick and colourful choice.

The best part? You don't need to cook a thing—just chop, mix, and enjoy. Turkish Ezme is all about bold, tangy flavours and a vibrant presentation. The freshness of the vegetables, combined with pomegranate molasses and a touch of spice, delivers a taste that's truly addictive.

This recipe is perfect for busy days because it comes together in minutes and can be prepared ahead of time. It's also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it compatible with almost any diet. Serve it as a dip with a warm pita, as a topping for grilled kebabs, or alongside your favourite Mediterranean spreads.

Ezme is more than a salad or salsa; it's an experience—a burst of Anatolian sunshine in every bite. If you're looking to brighten up your meals with something quick, healthy, and packed with character, this is the dish for you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

- Vibrant & Refreshing: Every bite is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a touch of spice for a true burst of flavour.

- Quick & Easy: No cooking required—just chop, mix, and serve in under 30 minutes.

- Versatile: Works perfectly as a dip, salad, or side dish for grilled meats, kebabs, pita bread, or even as a topping for wraps and sandwiches.

- Healthy & Light: Low in calories, vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients from all those fresh veggies.

- Perfect for Entertaining: Its bright colour and bold taste always impress at gatherings, parties, or weeknight dinners.

Prep Time 15 mins

Rest Time 10 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Cooking Method: Mixing

Cuisine: Turkish

Courses: Dip, Salad, Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Calories: 60

Best Season: Summer, Spring

Description

This zesty Turkish salsa is bursting with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, peppers, and a hint of heat, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, warm bread, or simply as a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Ingredients

For The Ezme

2 large Ripe Tomatoes (About 250 g, Finely Chopped)
1 medium Red Onion (About 80 g, Finely Chopped)
1 medium Green Bell Pepper (About 60 g, Finely Chopped)
1 small Cucumber (About 80 g, Seeded And Finely Chopped)
3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes (Or 1 Fresh Red Chili (Optional, Adjust To Taste))
2 tbsp Flat-Leaf Parsley (Finely Chopped)
1 tbsp Fresh Mint (Finely Chopped)
2 tbsp Pomegranate Molasses (Or Substitute With Lemon Juice)
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Ground Sumac (Optional, For Authenticity)
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust according to taste)
1/4 tsp Black Pepper

For Garnish (Optional)

Extra Parsley Or Mint Leaves
Drizzle Of Pomegranate Molasses Or Olive Oil

Instructions

1
Prepare The Vegetables
Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under running water. Using a sharp knife and cutting board, finely chop the ripe tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and cucumber. Ensure the pieces are as small as possible for a traditional, salsa-like texture. Transfer each chopped vegetable into a medium mixing bowl as you go. Mince the garlic and, if using, finely chop the fresh red chilli as well. Add them to the bowl with the remaining vegetables.
2
Add Fresh Herbs And Spices
Add the finely chopped parsley and mint to the bowl with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the ground sumac (if using), paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you prefer a spicier ezme, add the red chilli flakes at this stage as well. Gently toss everything together with a spoon or spatula, making sure the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3
Add Pomegranate Molasses And Olive Oil
Pour the pomegranate molasses and extra virgin olive oil over the chopped and seasoned vegetable mixture in the bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix everything until the vegetables and herbs are well-coated and the flavours begin to meld. Take care not to mash the vegetables; you want the mixture to remain slightly chunky and fresh.
4
Mix And Rest The Ezme
Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients in the stainless steel bowl until well combined and the vegetables are evenly coated with the molasses and olive oil. Be careful not to mash the vegetables; you want them to stay crisp and retain their texture. Once thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl and let the Ezme rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld beautifully.
5
Garnish And Serve
Transfer the Ezme from the mixing bowl to a shallow serving bowl or platter. Spread the mixture out for an inviting presentation. Garnish the top with extra chopped parsley or fresh mint leaves, if desired. Drizzle a little more pomegranate molasses or olive oil over the Ezme for added flavour and shine. You can also add a few lemon wedges or extra herbs around the edges for a colourful, appetizing look. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, crackers or as a vibrant side to grilled dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 97.86kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.94g7%
Saturated Fat 0.56g3%
Sodium 304.29mg13%
Potassium 402.3mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 14.72g5%
Dietary Fiber 2.78g12%
Sugars 8.76g
Protein 1.93g4%

Vitamin A 1333.24 IU
Vitamin C 43.36 mg
Calcium 36.28 mg
Iron 0.86 mg
Vitamin E 1.32 mg
Vitamin K 46.35 mcg
Thiamin 0.08 mg
Riboflavin 0.06 mg
Niacin 0.85 mg
Vitamin B6 0.24 mg
Folate 32.15 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 0.28 mg
Phosphorus 51.48 mg
Magnesium 24.21 mg
Zinc 0.39 mg
Copper 0.13 mg
Manganese 0.28 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

- Chop Finely for Best Texture: The key to authentic Ezme is chopping the vegetables as finely as possible for a salsa-like consistency.

- Adjust the Heat: Use fresh chilli or red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness. You can omit the chilli for a milder version.

- Rest for Flavours: Letting the Ezme rest for at least 10 minutes before serving helps the flavours meld and develop a deeper, more complex taste.

- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don't have pomegranate molasses, use a mix of lemon juice and a splash of balsamic vinegar for similar tangy sweetness.

- Make Ahead: Ezme can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavour.

Keywords: Turkish ezme, turkish salad, spicy Turkish dip, vegan mezze, Middle Eastern salsa

Serving Suggestions

- As a Classic Meze: Serve Turkish Ezme as part of a meze platter alongside hummus and fresh pita bread. Its bright, tangy flavours pair beautifully with creamy and smoky dips.

- With Grilled Dishes: Spoon Ezme over grilled kebabs, chicken, lamb, or fish. Its refreshing taste balances the richness of grilled meats.

- Topping for Sandwiches & Wraps: Add a generous spoonful to wraps, sandwiches, or burgers for a juicy, spicy kick.

- Dip with Crackers or Chips: Serve Ezme as a vibrant dip with crunchy pita chips or your favourite crackers for a healthy snack or appetizer.

- Side to Rice & Pilafs: Serve alongside pilaf or herbed rice dishes to add freshness and colour to your plate.