Shirazi Salad (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)
User Reviews
4.8
Shirazi Salad (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)
Description
Shirazi Salad features finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion combined with a dressing primarily made of lemon juice or verjuice, a mildly acidic juice traditionally from unripe grapes. Dried mint adds a subtle herbaceous note while salt and black pepper season the salad. The vegetables are chopped small to maximize flavor absorption and texture. Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavor meld and keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
This salad is often enjoyed chilled as a light accompaniment to meals, especially alongside Persian or Middle Eastern dishes. The balance of acidity, freshness, and mild minty notes refreshes the palate and contrasts well with grilled or spiced foods.
Using seedless or thin-skinned cucumbers like Persian or English cucumbers avoids the need to peel and deseed. The salad can be prepared hours in advance and stored refrigerated for up to two days, though vegetables may release liquid over time, which is normal.
Ingredients
- 3 cucumber Persian
- 1/2 red onion
- 3 tomato
- 1/4 cup lemon juice see notes, or verjuice
- 1 tbsp dried mint
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the cucumbers, onion and tomatoes into very small pieces.
- Mix them in a bowl and add the lemon juice or verjuice.
- Add in dried mint, salt and pepper. Toss to combine the salad with the dressing. Taste and add more salt or verjuice if needed.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour and then serve.
Notes
- Add a couple tablespoons of olive oil to the dressing if desired for extra richness.
- Lime juice can substitute for lemon juice, but verjuice is traditional for authentic flavor.
- Use seedless or thin-skinned cucumbers like Persian or English types and peel/deseed regular cucumbers for best texture.
- Dried mint can be replaced with 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint if unavailable.
- Chop vegetables finely to help absorb the dressing flavors and maintain crispness.
- Prepare ahead and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour to enhance flavor melding and serve chilled.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 2 days; some juice release is normal as flavors develop.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 65 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 65kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 401mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 650mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 955IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 62mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
