Easy Shirazi Salad Recipe

Introduction

Shirazi Salad is a refreshing and simple Persian dish, perfect for warm weather or as a vibrant side. Made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and a tangy lime dressing, it’s light and full of bright flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (4-6) small Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups Persian cucumbers, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and mint.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
4. Step 4: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well coated with the dressing.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
6. Step 6: Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Step 7: Serve the Shirazi Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or accompaniment to grilled meats or kebabs.

Tips & Variations

• Use Persian cucumbers for the best texture, but if unavailable, seedless English cucumbers work well.
• For extra zest, add a splash of pomegranate molasses to the dressing.
• If you prefer less onion bite, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before draining.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the longer the salad sits, the more the vegetables will soften and become soggy. For best texture, consume within the first day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Shirazi Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld. However, avoid making it too far ahead to keep the vegetables crisp.

What is sumac, and can I substitute it?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. If you don’t have sumac, a small sprinkle of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon juice can provide a similar bright flavor.

Easy Shirazi Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant Persian Shirazi Salad made with diced tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, red onion, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime-sumac dressing. This easy no-cook salad is perfect as a light side dish or accompaniment to grilled meats and kebabs, offering crisp textures and a bright, zesty flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs

• 2 cups (4-6) small Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups Persian cucumbers, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Roma tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and mint, ensuring all the fresh produce is well mixed for even flavor distribution.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, sumac, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified.
3. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients in the large bowl, evenly coating the vegetables and herbs with the tangy mixture.
4. Toss Gently: Carefully toss all ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing, taking care not to bruise or mush the delicate vegetables.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasonings with additional salt or pepper as needed to balance flavors.
6. Rest: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together and the sumac to infuse the salad with its distinctive lemony tang.
7. Serve Chilled: Serve the Shirazi Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or accompaniment to grilled meats, kebabs, or as a light snack.
8. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, noting that the salad will become soggier the longer it sits due to the moisture released by the vegetables.

Notes

• Using Persian cucumbers enhances the salad’s crisp texture as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
• The longer the salad sits, the more the vegetables soften and release moisture; it is best enjoyed fresh.
• Sumac adds a unique tart flavor; if unavailable, a squeeze of lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
• This salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
• For added crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Persian

Keywords: Shirazi Salad, Persian Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, No-Cook Salad, Sumac Salad, Middle Eastern Salad, Fresh Herb Salad