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Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe

4.6 from 58 reviews

Persian Shirazi Salad is a refreshing and vibrant salad originating from Iran, characterized by finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions mixed with fresh lime or lemon juice, dried mint, olive oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper. This light and flavorful salad is perfect as a side dish or appetizer, offering a cool, tangy taste with a touch of herbaceous aroma from dried mint.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 6 Persian cucumbers or 2 English cucumbers
  • 6 medium Roma tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion

Seasonings & Dressing

  • 3 small Persian limes or 1 large lemon (about 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice)
  • 2 tbsp dried mint
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onion: Peel and finely chop the small red onion to ensure it blends well with the other salad components.
  2. Prepare the cucumbers: Cut the ends off the cucumbers. Slice them in half lengthwise, then into fourths, and finely chop to create small, uniform pieces perfect for a salad texture.
  3. Prepare the tomatoes: Cut each Roma tomato in half, remove the seeds to prevent excess moisture, then finely chop the tomato flesh.
  4. Make the dressing: Squeeze the juice of the Persian limes or lemon and combine it with salt, pepper, and dried mint to create a flavorful dressing base.
  5. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the lemon juice mixture over the vegetables. Mix thoroughly so the flavors meld evenly.
  6. Add olive oil: Just prior to serving, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad and toss gently to incorporate the oil without wilting the fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • Removing tomato seeds helps keep the salad crisp and prevents it from becoming watery.
  • Use fresh dried mint if possible for an authentic flavor.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference.
  • This salad is best served chilled and consumed within a few hours for optimal freshness.
  • Persian cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds than English cucumbers, but either can be used based on availability.

Keywords: Persian Shirazi Salad, cucumber tomato salad, Persian salad, no cook salad, vegan salad, fresh salad, Middle Eastern salad