Scallion Salad with Sour Cream (Lukmira) [2 Ingredients, 5 minutes]
Scallion salad with sour cream, called lukmira or siriluk, is a refreshing, delightful salad that combines mild scallion flavor with a smooth tanginess of sour cream. This local favorite will win your heart! Shall we?
Jump to:
Background
The Balkans is known for its delicious fermented and pickled salads. Yet, there are a few fresh veggie salads you should know about, like today's lukmira. (In some areas it's known as siriluk aka "cheese and onion.")
Think of lukmira salad as a minimalist take on Macedonian taratur (tarator) salad. This scallion and sour cream refreshing salad is a summer favorite! It'll surprise you how well the onion-like scallions and tangy sour cream complement each other.
If you're wondering, the taste is slightly reminiscent of cream cheese with chives. The salad can be upgraded with cucumber, yogurt, and seasonings.
Why You'll Love This Spring Onion Salad
- Just a few ingredients! Simple pantry staples and fresh scallions come together in minutes.
- Unexpectedly refreshing! Light, crisp, and cooling—this salad cuts through rich or heavy dishes beautifully.
- Bold and unusual! Scallions take center stage for once, offering a punchy twist that surprises every time.
- Pairs with everything! It’s the kind of side you didn’t know you needed—until you realize it goes with everything.
- Quick, easy, and no cooking! Perfect for busy days or lazy evenings.
Ingredients
You don't need a photo for this 2-3 ingredient salad, but we'll give you one anyway. ☺️So here are the ingredients needed to make the scallion and sour cream salad (lukmira).
Main Ingredients:
- Scallions (green onions).
- Sour cream.
- Pinch of salt.
Optional Add-ins:
- Plain yogurt.
- Feta or another semi-hard white cheese.
- Dill, parsley, mint.
- Lemon.
Instructions
Here is the classic version of the Balkan scallion and sour cream salad (lukmira). You're welcome to add more of the optional ingredients.
Step 1. Clean the scallion and mince it.
Step 2. Combine it with sour cream and mix well. Add salt per taste.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! First, clean them really well. We like to soak them in baking soda-infused water for 15 minutes and then run them under tap water for a minute. Secondly, chop off an inch or two from the top and the bottom (from the white and green parts) and you're good to go.
Pretty much! The main difference is that green onions generally have a bulbous white end (similar to spring or young onions), while this white end is flatter in scallions.
You can eat the entire scallion! However, it's recommended you chop off an inch or two from the top and bottom (green and part ends). (Be wary though, some people with a sensitive stomach can have a harder time digesting it.)
Other Salads
In addition to lukmira, what defines Balkan salads is their simplicity. Most use only a few, fresh ingredients. See for yourself:
Handling
Here's how to serve lukmira (scallion salad with sour cream).
- Serve cold with food of choice or by itself. (Some suggestions are the Balkan burger, burek, or veal potato stew.)
- Store in the fridge for 1-2 days. Do not freeze.
Thoughts?
If you make today's scallion salad with sour cream (lukmira) and like it, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5-star) rating. This will help others find the recipe more easily!
You can also leave a comment, I read EVERY one! Finally, if IG is more your thing, consider tagging us @balkanlunchbox.
Prijatno, Dobar Tek, and Bon Appetit!
Scallion Salad with Sour Cream (Lukmira, Siriluk)
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium scallions (spring onion)
- 1 cup sour cream
- salt to taste
- (Optional) plain yogurt, dill, parsley, mint, lemon adjust to taste
Instructions
- Chop half an inch (1 cm) off the green leaves and the bulb of scallions and discard. Finely chop the remaining scallions starting from the leaves toward the bulb.
- In a medium-sized bowl combine sour cream, scallions, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated. For best taste chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
- Serving: Serve lukmira scallion salad chilled. It goes great with BBQ, rissoles, and other grilled meats. Stir before serving.Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. As it's incredibly easy to make, there is no need to make it too many days ahead.
