Persian Shirazi Salad (Salad-e Shirazi)

Name: Persian Shirazi Salad (Salad-e Shirazi)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 2 cups tomatoes (about 3-4 Roma tomatoes or 20 cherry tomatoes), diced; 2 cups small cucumbers (about 2 small Persian cucumbers), diced; 1/2 cup onions, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley; 1/4 teaspoon dried mint; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Light, crisp, and bursting with fresh flavors, Persian Shirazi Salad (or Salad-e Shirazi in Farsi) is the ultimate side dish for any meal. Made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, this simple yet vibrant salad is packed with herbs and tossed in a zesty lime and olive oil dressing. Whether you're serving it alongside a hearty Persian feast or pairing it with grilled meats, this refreshing salad is a must-try.

Persian Shirazi Salad with cucumber and tomato is a healthy, light, and simple salad packed with herbs and tossed in an olive oil lime dressing. | aheadofthyme.com

What makes salad Shirazi so special is its balance of flavors and textures. The crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs come together for a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. Unlike traditional chopped salads, this one features finely diced vegetables, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time.

Why You'll Love this Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe

So quick and easy. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal chopping, this salad comes together in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Light, fresh, and hydrating. This salad is naturally hydrating, thanks to the high water content of cucumbers and tomatoes. The refreshing flavors make it an ideal dish for warm weather, providing a cooling contrast to heartier mains. Plus, the lime juice enhances the crispness of the veggies, making every bite feel incredibly fresh.
Packed with herbs and flavor. Unlike similar cucumber-tomato salads, Shirazi Salad is loaded with fresh parsley and dried mint, giving it a uniquely fragrant and herbaceous taste. The combination of these herbs elevates the dish beyond just a simple side salad - it's an unforgettable part of the meal!
Great for meal prep. This salad holds up well in the fridge, allowing you to prepare it in advance for quick and easy meals throughout the week. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making it even tastier the next day.

What is Shirazi Salad?

Shirazi salad (known as salad-e shirazi) is a traditional Persian salad that originated in southern Iran. Similar to a Greek salad, its main ingredients are tomato, cucumber, and onions, but it has a lot more herbs. The vegetables are also diced into small pieces, like in a pico de gallo.

Ingredient Notes

To make this flavorful Persian Shirazi Salad, you will need the following ingredients:

tomatoes - use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes work well.
cucumbers - Persian cucumbers are ideal for their thin skin and crisp texture. English cucumbers can also work. If using a regular cucumber, peel and deseed it to avoid excess moisture.
onions - feel free to use any kind of onions. Red onions add a mild sweetness, but white or yellow onions can be used for a sharper bite.
olive oil - as this forms the base of the salad dressing, try to use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors of the salad.
lime juice - fresh lime juice gives the salad its signature tang. If you are out, lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can be used in place of lime.
parsley - fresh herbs add a bright, fresh element.
mint - this is a key ingredient that sets this salad apart. We used dried mint but you can easily substitute it with fresh mint instead. Note that dried mint provides a more concentrated flavor.
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a sharp knife for precise chopping.

How to Make the Best Persian Shirazi Salad

Salad Shirazi is ridiculously easy to make in 5 minutes with a few simple ingredients. Once you have prepped and diced your vegetables, you simply toss them together with the dressing and herbs.

Prep the veggies. Dice the tomatoes, cucumbers and onions into small ¼-inch pieces. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
Add dressing and herbs. Add olive oil, lime juice, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper.

Toss. Toss to combine.
Serve or chill. Serve immediately, or cover and place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse together more.

Recipe Variations

Add pomegranate seeds. For a hint of sweetness and extra crunch, toss in some fresh pomegranate seeds. They add a lovely contrast to the tangy lime dressing.
Incorporate sumac. A sprinkle of sumac will enhance the salad with a slightly tart, lemony flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Make it spicy. Add a finely chopped chili pepper or a dash of Aleppo pepper for a bit of heat.
Boost the protein. Toss in chickpeas or feta cheese for a more filling version of this salad while keeping it light and nutritious.

How to Serve

This Persian Shirazi Salad is delicious served on its own for lunch, but is especially good as a side salad paired with an entree. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, or wraps, this salad complements a wide range of main courses. Some of our favorite pairings with this salad are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Finely dice the ingredients. The small, uniform pieces ensure a perfect blend of flavors in every bite and help the dressing coat everything evenly.
Use fresh lime juice. Bottled lime juice won't provide the same vibrant, citrusy flavor as freshly squeezed juice.
Chill before serving. While you can serve the salad right away, letting it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing. It allows the herby flavours to better infuse into each ingredient.

Storing Instructions

To store leftover Shirazi Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

FAQ

Can you freeze this salad?

Due to the high water content of cucumbers and tomatoes, this salad does not freeze well. Freezing will cause the vegetables to become mushy upon thawing. It's best to prepare it fresh or store it in the fridge for short-term use.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Shirazi Salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit for a bit allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you want to prepare it the night before, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Is there a substitute for dried mint?

Fresh mint can be used, but dried mint gives the salad its signature taste. If using fresh mint, chop it finely and use a slightly larger quantity. You can also try basil or oregano for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

More Salad Recipes with Tomatoes and Cucumbers

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