Salad Shirazi
Persian Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
A refreshing and essential Persian side salad, Salad Shirazi features finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, tossed with a zesty lime and mint dressing. It's known for its vibrant colors and crisp texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 Cucumbers(Medium-sized, preferably English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and thinner skin. Wash thoroughly.)
- 3 Tomatoes(Medium-sized, ripe but firm. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work well. Wash thoroughly.)
- 1 Red Onion(Small to medium-sized. Red onion offers a milder bite and vibrant color. Peel and wash.)
- 60 ml Fresh Lime Juice(Approximately 2-3 tablespoons. Freshly squeezed is best.)
- 1 tsp Dried Mint(Ensure it's fresh for optimal flavor.)
- Salt(To taste. Fine sea salt or kosher salt.)
- Black Pepper(Freshly ground, to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into very small, uniform cubes (about 0.5 cm or 1/4 inch). For the tomatoes, you can remove the seeds if you prefer a less watery salad, but it's not essential. Aim for a consistent, fine dice across all ingredients for the best texture and visual appeal.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Combine the diced vegetables in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Gently toss them together to distribute evenly.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice and dried mint. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Dress the salad: Pour the lime and mint dressing over the diced vegetables. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are lightly coated. Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Serve immediately or chill briefly. Salad Shirazi is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crispness. It can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as part of a mezze platter.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to Salad Shirazi is the very fine, uniform dice of the vegetables. This creates a pleasant texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- ✓This salad is named after the city of Shiraz in Iran, renowned for its gardens and poets.
- ✓Traditionally served as a refreshing accompaniment to almost any Persian meal, from kebabs to rice dishes.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of sumac for a tangy, lemony flavor.
- Use fresh mint leaves, finely chopped, in addition to or instead of dried mint for a brighter, more intense mint flavor.
- Include finely chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness and complexity.