Shirazi Salad Recipe – Lebanese Special
Shirazi Salad is a refreshing and vibrant Persian salad that showcases the simplicity and bold flavors of Iranian cuisine. Named after the city of Shiraz, this salad combines fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with a zesty dressing of lemon juice and olive oil. It’s a popular side dish in Persian meals and is known for its bright flavors and crisp texture.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time12 min
- Total Time22 min
Shirazi Salad Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Prepare Vegetables:
Dice Vegetables: Peel and dice the cucumbers, dice the tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion.
Mix Ingredients:
Combine: In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and mint (if using).
Prepare Dressing:
Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and ground cumin (if using).
Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss Salad:
Combine Dressing and Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Chill and Serve:
Chill: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serve: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Recipe Notes:
Cucumber Variety: Persian or English cucumbers are ideal for this salad due to their mild flavor and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers can also be used.
Herbs: Fresh mint adds a nice touch of flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a simpler version.
Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best taste and texture.
Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or olives if desired.
Make Ahead: Shirazi Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving.
