The Persian Shirazi Salad recipe is a simple and refreshing dish made with finely diced vegetables and a light citrus-based dressing. The key to its texture and consistency is cutting the ingredients into uniform, small pieces to ensure an even balance of flavors in every bite. This salad is known for its crisp and juicy texture, which is achieved by using fresh, firm vegetables.
The main components of the Persian Shirazi Salad recipe include cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. The cucumbers should have thin skin and minimal seeds to maintain the crispness of the salad. Tomatoes should be ripe but firm to avoid excessive moisture that could make the salad watery. The onions add a mild sharpness that enhances the overall flavor, and their intensity can be adjusted by rinsing them briefly in cold water before adding them to the salad.
The dressing in the Persian Shirazi Salad recipe consists of fresh lime or lemon juice combined with a small amount of seasoning. The acidity in the dressing helps bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables and provides a refreshing tang. The salad should be mixed gently to prevent the tomatoes from breaking down and releasing too much juice, which could alter the texture of the dish.
The Persian Shirazi Salad recipe is best prepared shortly before serving to maintain its fresh and crisp consistency. Allowing the salad to sit for a short time before serving enhances the flavors as the ingredients absorb the citrus dressing. However, prolonged storage may result in excess liquid accumulation, which can soften the vegetables. This salad is commonly served as a side dish, complementing a variety of main courses with its light and refreshing taste.
About Us
We are John and Laurel Rodgers, an American couple passionate about food and travel.
Our adventures take us to various countries, where we explore local cuisines.
In every destination, we collect recipes not just from restaurants but also through cooking classes. This way, we learn the authentic ways to prepare dishes.
Our favorite meals often include Persian Shirazi Salad, which pairs well with grilled meats and pita bread. It’s also a delightful addition to a mezze platter. We enjoy serving it alongside fluffy basmati rice, making meals both colorful and flavorful.
We believe that sharing recipes can connect people across cultures. Our blog aims to inspire others to try new dishes and learn about different cuisines.
Join us as we explore the world, one recipe at a time!
Why You’ll Love This Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe
We absolutely love this Persian Shirazi Salad for many reasons. First, it is a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
Made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, this salad bursts with flavor. The addition of herbs adds a unique touch that we find delightful.
Here are a few reasons to try this recipe:
- Quick to Prepare: This salad can be made in just a few minutes, which is perfect for busy days.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, this salad is a nutritious option for any meal.
- Versatile Serving: We can enjoy it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even add protein for a complete meal.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: It fits many dietary preferences, making it a great choice for gatherings.
The zesty lemon and olive oil dressing brings it all together, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether we’re at home or taking this dish to a potluck, it’s always a hit!
Trying this salad adds a touch of Persian cuisine to our cooking repertoire, and we’re sure you’ll love it just as much as we do!
What Makes This Recipe Special
The Persian Shirazi Salad, or salad-e shirazi, stands out for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. We love that it showcases simple, quality produce.
Key Ingredients
- Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, we prefer English or Persian cucumbers.
- Tomatoes: Firm, ripe tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness.
- Red Onion: Provides a nice bite and crunch.
- Fresh Herbs: A mix of mint, parsley, and sometimes dill creates a burst of flavor.
Unique Dressing
The dressing is simple yet effective, usually made with fresh lime or lemon juice and olive oil. This helps the veggies absorb the flavors.
Versatile Pairing
This salad pairs beautifully with Persian meals like stews or rice dishes. Its lightness balances richer foods perfectly.
Cultural Heritage
Named after Shiraz, Iran, this salad reflects the region’s culinary traditions. Eating salad-e shirazi is more than just enjoying food; it’s about experiencing a piece of Persian culture.
In our kitchen, this recipe brings a taste of travel home. Making it reminds us of our adventures and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make a delicious Persian Shirazi Salad, we will need some simple equipment. Here’s what we recommend:
- Cutting Board: A sturdy board is essential for chopping our fresh veggies.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes dicing cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions easy and safe.
- Mixing Bowl: We need a medium mixing bowl to combine our chopped vegetables.
- Small Bowl: This is for mixing the salad dressing.
- Whisk or Fork: A whisk or fork helps us blend the dressing ingredients well.
- Measuring Spoons: These will help us accurately measure our oil, lime juice, and seasonings.
- Serving Bowl: Once the salad is ready, we’ll transfer it to a larger bowl for serving.
- Lemon or Lime Juicer: If we’re using fresh citrus juice, a juicer can make things easier.
Using the right tools will improve our experience and make the salad come together smoothly. As we chop and mix, we can enjoy the fresh aromas and colors that make this dish special. Happy cooking!
Cooking Instructions
To make a delicious Persian Shirazi Salad:
Steps
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the tomatoes and cucumbers into small pieces. For the cucumbers, peel if you prefer, but this is up to you.
- Dice the Onion: Cut the red onion into small chunks to keep the salad balanced in flavor.
- Mix the Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Chop up the parsley and mint and toss them in for extra flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This will create a bright and tangy dressing.
- Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine.
For a crunchier texture, add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the veggies fresh and vibrant! Enjoy your refreshing salad with your favorite dishes.
Cooking Tips
When making Shirazi Salad, using fresh ingredients is key.
We recommend ripe tomatoes and seedless cucumbers for the best flavor.
Dicing vegetables finely enhances the salad’s texture.
The smaller pieces absorb the dressing better, making each bite more delicious.
For the dressing, we often use extra virgin olive oil combined with lemon juice.
This gives the salad a bright and tangy taste. If you prefer, lime juice can also work well.
Adding fresh mint is important for that classic flavor.
If fresh isn’t available, dried mint is a good substitute. We also love mixing in fresh parsley and cilantro for extra freshness.
Keep in mind to season your salad with salt and black pepper.
A sprinkle of sumac adds a nice touch too. Don’t forget a dash of ab-e-ghooreh for a unique flavor twist!
If you want a bit more zing, consider using sour grape juice.
It can make the salad more interesting and adds a subtle sweetness.
Lastly, let the salad sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients Needed for the Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe
cucumbers
Roma tomatoes
red onion
green pepper
chopped cilantro
chopped parsley
dried mint
Dressing
extra virgin olive oil
fresh lime juice
Kosher salt
black pepper
Instructions For Preparing the Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe
Preparing the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, cilantro, and parsley.
Dressing & Serving
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well blended. Drizzle over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Persian Shirazi Salad.
FAQs For the Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe
Question: What is the Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe?
A: The Persian Shirazi Salad recipe is a refreshing and simple salad made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy dressing of lemon juice or vinegar with dried mint.
Question: How do I make the Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe more flavorful?
A: To enhance the flavor of the Persian Shirazi Salad recipe, let it sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to absorb the dressing and dried mint.
Question: Can I prepare the Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe in advance?
A: Yes, the Persian Shirazi Salad recipe can be prepared a few hours in advance, but for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
Question: What type of cucumbers work best for the Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe?
A: The Persian Shirazi Salad recipe is best made with Persian or English cucumbers, as they have thin skins, fewer seeds, and a crisp texture that complements the dish.
Question: What dishes pair well with the Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe?
A: The Persian Shirazi Salad recipe pairs perfectly with Persian rice dishes, kebabs, or grilled meats, adding a fresh and tangy contrast to rich and savory flavors.
Persian Shirazi Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Persian cucumbers chopped
- 3 Roma tomatoes seeded chopped
- ½ red onion chopped
- ¼ green pepper seeded and chopped optional
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon mint driet
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 3 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, cilantro, and parsley.
Dressing & Serving
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well blended. Drizzle over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Persian Shirazi Salad.
1 comment
The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty onions combined perfectly with the fresh lemon dressing. It was so refreshing and paired beautifully with grilled meats. The dried mint added a wonderful aroma, and my guests kept commenting on how fresh and vibrant it tasted. A great, simple side dish!