Shirazi Salad Recipe (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)
Shirazi Salad is a crisp, refreshing Persian cucumber tomato salad made with finely diced English cucumber, Roma tomatoes, red onion, fresh mint, lime juice, and olive oil. This easy 15-minute side dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, rice dishes, and Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Servings: 4
Calories: 74kcal
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
* Dice the vegetables into a small, even size for the best texture and flavor in every bite.
* 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.
* 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.
Nutrition
Serving: 4g | Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.5mg