Shirazi Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Persian Salad
Shirazi Salad is a refreshing Persian salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, fresh mint, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a healthy side dish!
If you’re looking for a simple, vibrant, and refreshing salad that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, Shirazi Salad is the perfect choice! This traditional Persian salad is made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s light, healthy, and incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love Shirazi Salad
Quick and Easy: Only takes 5 minutes to prepare.
Healthy and Refreshing: Packed with fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a standalone salad.
Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: Great for almost any dietary preference.
Ingredients Breakdown
Fresh Ingredients:
Roma Tomatoes (2, diced): Roma tomatoes are ideal for their firm texture and rich flavor. They hold up well in salads without becoming mushy.
Cucumber (1, diced): Adds a cool, refreshing crunch. Persian or English cucumbers work best as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds.
Red Onion (½, diced): Brings a mild, slightly sweet bite that balances the flavors of the salad.
Fresh Mint (¼ cup, chopped): Mint is a key ingredient in Shirazi Salad, adding a refreshing and aromatic touch.
Dressing Ingredients:
Lemon Juice (¼ cup): Provides a tangy, citrusy brightness that enhances the flavors of the vegetables.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps blend the flavors together beautifully.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black Pepper (1 tsp): Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Provides a subtle garlicky undertone without overpowering the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into small, even pieces for a uniform texture.
Finely chop the fresh mint for maximum flavor distribution.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and mint.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy on its own or as a side dish with grilled meats, kebabs, or rice dishes.
Tips for the Best Shirazi Salad
Use Fresh Ingredients: The better the produce, the better the salad.
Let It Sit: Allowing the salad to rest for 15 minutes enhances the flavors.
Customize It: Add sumac for a tangy twist or pomegranate seeds for extra sweetness.
Serve It Cold: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for an hour.
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Shirazi Salad
Ingredients
- Roma Tomatoes (2, diced)
- Cucumber (1, diced)
- Red Onion (½, diced)
- Fresh Mint (¼ cup, chopped)
- Lemon Juice (¼ cup)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Black Pepper (1 tsp)
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
Instructions
- Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into small, even pieces for a uniform texture.
- Finely chop the fresh mint for maximum flavor distribution.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and mint.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy on its own or as a side dish.
Notes
Tips for the Best Shirazi Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The better the produce, the better the salad.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the salad to rest for 15 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Customize It: Add sumac for a tangy twist or pomegranate seeds for extra sweetness.
- Serve It Cold: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for an hour.
This Shirazi Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, simple ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Whether you serve it with grilled meats, rice, or as a light lunch, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite. Enjoy this quick, delicious, and healthy salad today!
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