Pipirrana (Andalusian Tomato, Pepper and Cucumber Salad)
A chopped summer salad from southern Spain, juicy with ripe tomatoes, crunchy peppers and cucumber, and best after half an hour to soak up the dressing.
Made with Basic vinaigrette. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.75 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Dice the tomatoes, pepper and cucumber into pieces about 1 cm across and put them in a large bowl.
- 2
Finely dice the red onion and soak it in a cup of cold water for 5 minutes to soften its bite, then drain well.
5 min - 3
Add the onion, garlic and parsley to the bowl.
- 4
Pour over your ready made basic vinaigrette (see the base recipe) and toss gently. Add a pinch of salt, as tomatoes need seasoning.
- 5
Leave for at least 30 minutes at room temperature so the juices mingle with the dressing.
30 min - 6
Taste, adjust the salt and vinegar, and serve in bowls with the juices spooned over.
Tips
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find. The salad is only as good as they are.
- Dice everything to the same size so each spoonful has all the flavours.
- Serve with grilled fish or chicken, or with crusty bread for mopping up the juices.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten within 2 hours. Leftovers keep 1 day in the fridge but will turn watery, so drain and refresh with a splash of vinegar.
Questions
What is the difference between pipirrana and gazpacho?
Pipirrana is a chopped salad with the same ingredients as gazpacho, but served as a salad rather than blended. It is common in Jaén and across Andalusia.
Can I add other ingredients?
Yes. Chopped hard boiled egg, tinned tuna or olives are common additions. Tuna turns it into a light main course.
Is it vegan?
Yes. It is made only from vegetables, oil and vinegar. The vinaigrette is vegan, gluten free, dairy free and nut free too.
More made with basic vinaigrette
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Rolls with Crunchy Slaw
DFEFNFPoireaux Vinaigrette (French Leeks in Mustard Dressing)
GFDFNFSalade de Tomates à l'Échalote (French Tomato and Shallot Salad)
DFEFNFInsalata di Fagiolini e Patate (Ligurian Green Bean and Potato Salad)
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.