If you've never had Shirazi salad before, you're in for a treat. This simple Persian cucumber tomato salad is one of those recipes that's incredibly fresh, packed with flavor, and comes together in about 15 minutes. It's made with crisp cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, finely diced red onion, fresh mint, lime juice, and a little olive oil. That's it.
What I love most about Shirazi salad is how well it balances a meal. The bright lime juice and fresh vegetables cut through rich foods, making it the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, kebabs, steak, seafood, or even a simple bowl of rice. It's light, refreshing, and one of those recipes that somehow tastes even better than the ingredient list would suggest.
For this version, I kept things simple using ingredients that are easy to find at almost any grocery store. Instead of hunting down specialty ingredients, I use an English cucumber, Roma tomatoes, fresh mint, and lime juice to make a salad that's fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to recreate at home.
The secret to a great Shirazi salad isn't complicated ingredients-it's taking a couple of extra minutes to dice everything into small, even pieces. That gives you a little bit of cucumber, tomato, onion, and mint in every bite, creating the signature texture that makes this classic Persian salad so refreshing.
Whether you're serving it alongside grilled meats, scooping it onto warm pita, or simply enjoying it as a light side dish, this easy Shirazi salad is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Shirazi Salad
- Fresh and refreshing. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and fresh mint come together with a simple lime dressing that's light and full of flavor.
- Ready in about 15 minutes. There's no cooking involved. Just chop the vegetables, whisk together the dressing, and toss everything together.
- Made with simple ingredients. Everything in this recipe can be found at your local grocery store, making it easy to throw together any time.
- Perfect with almost any meal. Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, seafood, kebabs, wraps, rice dishes, or enjoy it on its own as a light side salad.
- Naturally healthy. Packed with fresh vegetables and a simple olive oil and lime dressing, this salad is a great addition to just about any meal.
- Easy to make ahead. You can chop the vegetables ahead of time and toss everything together just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
What Is Shirazi Salad?
Shirazi salad, also known as Salad-e Shirazi, is a traditional Persian salad that originated in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It's made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, then tossed with a simple dressing of lime juice or lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs like mint.
One of the things that makes Shirazi salad unique is the small, even dice of the vegetables. Every bite includes a little cucumber, tomato, onion, and mint, giving the salad its signature fresh flavor and crisp texture.
It's commonly served alongside grilled meats, kebabs, rice dishes, seafood, and other Middle Eastern and Persian recipes. The bright, citrusy dressing makes it the perfect side dish for balancing richer foods.
This version stays true to the fresh, simple flavors that make Shirazi salad so popular while using ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores.
Ingredients
One of my favorite things about this Shirazi salad recipe is that it uses fresh, simple ingredients you can find at almost any grocery store. There's nothing complicated here, and each ingredient plays an important role in creating the salad's bright, refreshing flavor.
English Cucumber
English cucumbers are my favorite for this recipe because they're crisp, have fewer seeds, and don't require peeling. Their mild flavor and crunchy texture make them perfect for Shirazi salad.
Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes are firm, flavorful, and contain less juice than many other varieties, helping keep the salad fresh without becoming watery.
Red Onion
Finely diced red onion adds just the right amount of sharpness and crunch. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.
Fresh Mint
Fresh mint gives Shirazi salad its signature bright, refreshing flavor. It pairs perfectly with the cucumber and lime juice and adds a fresh herbal finish to every bite.
Fresh Lime Juice
Freshly squeezed lime juice brings everything together with a bright, citrusy flavor that makes the vegetables really shine.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A small amount of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps coat every bite without making the salad heavy.
Salt and Black Pepper
Kosher salt enhances the fresh vegetables, while freshly ground black pepper adds just enough seasoning without overpowering the salad.
How to Make Shirazi Salad
Making Shirazi salad couldn't be easier. The key is taking a few extra minutes to dice the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces so every bite is packed with fresh flavor.
Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and thoroughly dry the English cucumber, Roma tomatoes, lime, and fresh mint (if using). Having everything clean and ready makes assembling the salad quick and easy.
Step 2: Dice the Cucumber
Finely dice the English cucumber into small, uniform pieces.
Step 3: Dice the Tomatoes
Dice the Roma tomatoes into small pieces about the same size as the cucumber.
Step 4: Dice the Red Onion
Finely dice the red onion so it blends evenly throughout the salad.
Step 5: Combine the Vegetables
Add the diced cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion to a large mixing bowl.
Step 6: Add the Lime Juice and Olive Oil
Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the vegetables, then drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil.
Step 7: Add the Mint and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the dried mint, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
💡 Matty's Tip
The biggest secret to a great Shirazi salad is taking your time with the knife work. Try to dice the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion into pieces that are about the same size. Not only does it make the salad look better, but it also ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
If you're making the salad ahead of time, wait to toss it with the dressing until about 15 to 30 minutes before serving. That keeps the vegetables crisp while still giving the flavors enough time to come together.
🥣 Recipe Variations
While I love this classic Shirazi salad recipe just the way it is, there are a few easy ways to customize it based on your taste or what you have on hand.
Add Feta Cheese
For a creamy, salty twist, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad just before serving.
Use Lemon Instead of Lime
Fresh lemon juice works just as well if you don't have limes. It gives the salad a slightly different but equally refreshing citrus flavor.
Add More Fresh Herbs
While I prefer fresh mint in my version, you can also add a little chopped parsley if you enjoy a more herb-forward salad.
Make It Spicier
For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño.
Serve Over Greens
Turn this side dish into a light lunch by serving it over a bed of arugula, romaine, or mixed greens with grilled chicken or shrimp.
🍽️ What to Serve With Shirazi Salad
Shirazi salad is one of those versatile side dishes that pairs well with just about anything coming off the grill or out of the oven. Its fresh, bright flavors help balance rich meats and hearty meals.
Try serving it with:
- Air Fryer Falafel
- Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
- Grilled chicken
- Chicken kebabs
- Beef kebabs
- Grilled shrimp
- Grilled salmon
- Lamb chops
- Warm pita bread and hummus
- Grilled steak
It's also a refreshing side for summer cookouts, backyard barbecues, and weeknight dinners when you want something light and fresh on the table.
❄️ Storage Tips
Shirazi salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious if stored properly.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The vegetables will naturally release some liquid as they sit, so give the salad a quick stir before serving again.
- For the best texture, avoid freezing this salad. The cucumbers and tomatoes will become soft and watery once thawed.
- If you're making the salad ahead of time, keep the chopped vegetables and dressing separate and combine them about 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can chop the vegetables a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. For the freshest texture, wait to add the dressing until about 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
Yes. If using regular slicing cucumbers, peel them if the skin is thick and scoop out the seeds if they're large. English cucumbers are my preference because they're sweeter, less seedy, and stay crisp.
Shirazi salad is best enjoyed the day it's made but will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Both salads feature finely diced vegetables, but Shirazi salad traditionally uses a simple dressing made with lime or lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh mint. Israeli salad is often made with lemon juice and parsley instead.
Yes. Shirazi salad is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs and is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and low in calories, making it a light and refreshing side dish.
Shirazi Salad Recipe (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef's knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Salad tongs or large spoon
Ingredients
Salad
- * 1 large English cucumber finely diced
- * 2 Roma tomatoes finely diced
- * ½ small red onion finely diced
- * 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint or 1 teaspoon dried mint, crushed between your fingers
Dressing
- * 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- * 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- * ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- * ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and thoroughly dry the cucumber, tomatoes, and mint. Finely dice the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Finely chop the fresh mint.
- Combine the Salad
- Place the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped mint into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Dressing
- Drizzle the freshly squeezed lime juice and extra-virgin olive oil over the vegetables. Sprinkle with the kosher salt and black pepper.
- Toss Gently
- Using salad tongs or a large spoon, gently lift and fold the vegetables until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid overmixing or crushing the tomatoes.
Video
Notes
* Roma tomatoes are ideal because they're firm and release less liquid than larger slicing tomatoes.
* If your red onion tastes especially sharp, soak the diced onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes. Drain well and pat dry before adding it to the salad.
* For the crispest salad, season just before serving since the salt will begin drawing moisture from the vegetables.
* Feel free to add a little extra lime juice if you prefer a brighter, tangier flavor.
* If using dried mint instead of fresh, substitute 1 teaspoon dried mint for 1 tablespoon fresh mint. Crush the dried mint between your fingers before adding it to help release its aroma and flavor.
