Description
Shirazi Salad is a refreshing Persian salad made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and finely chopped onions, all tossed in a simple lemony dressing. It’s light, healthy, and the perfect side dish for grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a fresh addition to any Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Persian cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber), finely diced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced (or white onion for a milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried mint)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or lime juice for a sharper flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, traditional recipes often omit this)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the vegetables:
- Dice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that every bite has a good balance of flavors.
2. Mix the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and mint.
3. Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil (if using), salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss and chill:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve:
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, or flatbread.
Notes
- Use seedless cucumbers to prevent excess water in the salad.
- For extra crunch, add diced green bell pepper.
- Dried mint is traditionally used in Persian cuisine and adds a stronger minty flavor than fresh mint.