Serbian cuisine is a beautiful blend of rich traditions and cultural influences, with bold flavors that tell the story of the Balkan region. Among its many beloved dishes, ajvar—a roasted red pepper and eggplant relish—stands out as a quintessential Serbian staple. This Serbian Ajvar and Feta Salad pays homage to these vibrant flavors, offering a refreshing, hearty, and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Balkan culinary heritage.
The Origins of Ajvar
Ajvar is one of Serbia’s iconic traditional condiments, dating back centuries to when people in the Balkans preserved food by roasting and pureeing peppers. The name “Ajvar” is derived from the Turkish word havyar, meaning caviar, as it was historically seen as a luxurious spread. Though it is popular throughout the Balkans—including in North Macedonia, Bosnia, and Croatia—Serbia has particularly embraced ajvar as a national treasure. Traditionally made in autumn, families would collectively roast and peel red bell peppers, combining them with eggplant, garlic, and olive oil to create a smoky, velvety relish. Homemade versions are still highly revered, though high-quality store-bought ajvar makes the dish accessible year-round.
The Role of Feta in Balkan Cuisine
Feta cheese, though commonly associated with Greece, is a staple in many Balkan kitchens, including Serbia. Bulgarian feta (sirene) is widely used due to its slightly tangy and crumbly nature, making it a perfect complement to ajvar’s smoky sweetness. The addition of feta cheese in this salad enhances its richness and brings balance to the peppery and tomato-forward elements.
A Fresh Take on a Serbian Classic
This Serbian Ajvar and Feta Salad modernizes traditional ingredients while keeping the soul of the dish intact. The salad highlights the rustic flavors of ajvar but introduces fresh elements like heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion for a refreshing crunch. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano, mirrors the flavors found in Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines, ensuring the dish remains true to its regional roots.
What makes this salad unique is the way ajvar is used as more than just a spread. Instead of being served separately as a condiment, it’s incorporated directly into the salad, blending with the creamy feta and fresh vegetables for a cohesive, flavor-packed bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This salad makes an excellent appetizer or side dish, pairing effortlessly with grilled meats such as ćevapi (Balkan-style grilled sausages) or pljeskavica (Serbian-style burgers). It can also be enjoyed as a light meal with crusty bread to scoop up the delicious flavors. For an extra kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the dressing can bring subtle heat.
The Serbian Ajvar and Feta Salad is an invitation to experience the bold flavors of the Balkans in a fresh and innovative way. Whether enjoyed at a summer gathering or as part of a traditional Serbian feast, this dish celebrates the harmony of smoky, tangy, and creamy elements that define the region’s cuisine.
Serbian Ajvar and Feta Salad
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 jar Ajvar preferably homemade or a high-quality store-bought version
- 1 cup Feta cheese crumbled, preferably Greek or Bulgarian
- 2 cups Heirloom tomatoes chopped, organic
- 1 cup Cucumber sliced, Persian or English
- 1 small Red onion thinly sliced
Dressing and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 pinch Salt to taste
- 1 pinch Ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped heirloom tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Set aside.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl, tossing gently to integrate with the vegetables.
- Drizzle the ajvar over the salad mixture. Gently fold it into the vegetables and feta so that it coats them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and use salad tongs to toss everything lightly until well combined. Add additional seasoning if desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.