Side DishSalad

Salad Shirazi

Name: Salad Shirazi
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: persian
Ingredients: 2 pcs cucumber finely diced; 3 pcs tomato finely diced; 0.5 pcs red onion finely diced; 2 tbsp fresh mint finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped (optional); 3 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Salad Shirazi is a quintessential Persian salad, bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavors of finely diced cucumber, ripe tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed simply with tangy lime juice and rich olive oil, and brightened with fresh herbs, this light and healthy side dish offers a refreshing counterpoint to any meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 25 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 120 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

2 pcscucumber, finely diced
3 pcstomato, finely diced
0.5 pcsred onion, finely diced
2 tbspfresh mint, finely chopped
2 tbspfresh parsley, finely chopped(optional)
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

dressing

3 tbsplime juice, freshly squeezed
2 tbspolive oil

Equipment

Large mixing bowl · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Measuring spoons · Citrus juicer (optional) · Plastic wrap

The method

Step by step

1
Wash and thoroughly dry the cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Drying the vegetables prevents the salad from becoming watery.
2
Finely dice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into small, uniform pieces, approximately 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) cubes.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Uniform dicing ensures every bite has a balanced flavor and a pleasant texture. A sharp chef's knife is key for clean cuts.
3
Roughly chop the fresh mint and fresh parsley.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Use a sharp knife to prevent bruising the herbs, which can diminish their vibrant color and flavor.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
About 1 min
5
Add the chopped fresh mint and parsley to the vegetable mixture.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Fresh herbs are crucial for the authentic flavor of Salad Shirazi; do not substitute with dried herbs.
6
Pour the fresh lime juice and olive oil over the vegetables and herbs.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Freshly squeezed lime juice offers a brighter, more authentic flavor than bottled juice.
7
Season the salad with salt and black pepper.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Start with the recommended amounts and taste before adding more; it's easier to add than to remove seasoning.
8
Gently toss all ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Use a spatula or large spoon to avoid crushing the delicate diced vegetables.
9
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the refreshing quality of the salad.
10
Serve the chilled Salad Shirazi as a vibrant side dish.
Cook’s note: For an extra touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of sumac.

Per serving

Nutrition

76%Score

Calories: 119.5kcal
Protein: 2.8g
Carbs: 13.7g
Fat: 7.3g
Fibre: 3.3g
Sugar: 6.5g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Cook’s note:

Salad Shirazi is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like kebabs, rice dishes such as Tahdig, or even as a light lunch on its own. For a slightly different flavor profile, you can add a pinch of dried mint or a sprinkle of sumac. A crisp, dry white wine or a refreshing glass of doogh (Persian yogurt drink) would complement this salad perfectly.

Storage

Store leftover Salad Shirazi in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating. If the salad has been refrigerated for a while, give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.