Ahtapot Salatasi

🐙Ahtapot Salatası Recipe – Traditional Octopus Salad from North Cyprus

If you’ve ever strolled along the harbours of Kyrenia (Girne) or enjoyed a seaside meal in Famagusta (Gazimağusa), chances are you’ve come across Ahtapot Salatası, the famous Cypriot Octopus Salad. Refreshing, zesty, and full of Mediterranean flavours, this seafood dish is a staple of North Cyprus cuisine and the perfect starter for warm summer evenings.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the history, ingredients, and step-by-step method to prepare your own authentic Ahtapot Salatası at home.
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🐙What is Ahtapot Salatası?

Ahtapot Salatası literally translates to “Octopus Salad.” It is a traditional mezze dish in Northern Cyprus, often served alongside grilled fish, calamari, and fresh bread. The recipe combines tender octopus with olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, onions, and tomatoes to create a light yet flavour-packed salad.

This dish perfectly represents the Mediterranean diet: simple, healthy, and full of vibrant ingredients straight from the sea and land.
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🥗Ingredients for Ahtapot Salatası (4 servings)

• 1 medium octopus (about 1–1.5 kg), cleaned
• 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4–5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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👨‍🍳Step-by-Step Recipe

🚿Step 1: Preparing the Octopus
• Wash the octopus thoroughly.
• Place in a large pot with a splash of water (no extra salt needed as octopus releases its own brine).
• Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes until tender. You can test by piercing the thickest part with a knife – it should slide in easily.

🔪Step 2: Cooling and Chopping
• Once cooked, let the octopus cool in its own liquid.
• Chop into bite-sized pieces. Some prefer to peel off the darker skin, but leaving it on adds flavour and colour.

🥣Step 3: Mixing the Salad
• In a large bowl, combine chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, green pepper, and garlic.
• Add the octopus pieces.
• Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.

👌Step 4: Finishing Touch
• Toss everything together gently.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavour.
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🍽️Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Ahtapot Salatası with warm pita bread or freshly baked Cypriot village bread.
• Pair it with a glass of rakı or a chilled white wine for an authentic North Cyprus dining experience.
• It’s perfect as part of a mezze spread, alongside hellim (halloumi) cheese, babagannuş, and tarama.
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👉Why Try This Recipe?

• Authentic Taste of North Cyprus – Straight from the shores of the Mediterranean.
• Healthy & Light – Packed with protein, omega-3, and fresh vegetables.
• Easy to Prepare – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavour.
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🌸Final Thoughts

Ahtapot Salatası is more than just a salad – it’s a reflection of Cypriot culture and hospitality. Whether you’re reminiscing about a holiday in North Cyprus or simply looking for a healthy seafood dish, this recipe brings the flavours of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.

Why not try making it this weekend and bring a touch of the Cypriot seaside to your table?