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    Home » Recipes » Persian

    Shirazi Salad

    Published: May 16, 2022 Modified: May 16, 2022 by Candice

    JUMP TO RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Large platter of cucumber tomato salad with gold utensils.
    Plate of cucumber tomato salad.
    Large platter of cucumber tomato salad with gold utensils and title text.

    This bright and colorful Shirazi salad takes uber-fresh ingredients like Persian cucumbers and Roma tomatoes and pairs them with parsley, and lemon to create a crisp, light salad.

    I'm a huge fan of no-greens salads, especially when they're dressed in a quick and easy dressing like olive oil and citrus. This Salad-e Shirazi is a classic Persian recipe, and this cooling, cucumber tomato salad is one my mom would make for us all summer long.

    Plate of cucumber tomato salad.
    TABLE OF CONTENTS hide
    1 Why this Recipe Works
    2 Ingredients & Substitutions
    3 How to Make this Recipe
    4 FAQs
    5 Serve this salad with...
    6 15-Minute Shirazi Salad - Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad

    Why this Recipe Works

    Persian cucumbers and Roma tomatoes are a fantastic pairing for a fresh crunchy salad. Unlike English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers are less watery which gives them a crisper bite. They are mild with a very subtle sweetness, which matches the tang and acidity of the tomatoes and lemon juice in the dressing.

    This salad takes only three steps to make, and aside from chopping your ingredients, it needs very little prep at all. This salad is known for its finely diced ingredients, but they don't have to be perfect by any means.

    It's naturally vegan, and only contains ingredients you can easily find at the grocery store.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Tomatoes, cucumbers and other salad ingredients.

    Cucumber – you'll be able to recognize Persian cucumbers as they are much smaller and shorter in size.

    Tomatoes – Roma tomatoes have a distinct shape, and are a bit bigger than plum tomatoes. You could sub in plum tomatoes but they will be slightly less crisp and more watery in the salad.

    Red onion – This is traditional to Shirazi salad. The flavor of most other onions used raw won't work as well in the salad.

    Parsley – Use fresh parsley, not dried.

    Mint – This is an optional inclusion, but a great one. Use fresh mint leaves, not dried.

    Lemons – Wash your lemons prior to cooking so the zest is good to eat.

    Olive oil – Use high-quality olive oil if you can for the dressing. As the dressing is so simple, the oil's quality really makes it.

    How to Make this Recipe

    Let's dive in and make this dish. First, add all the prepped ingredients to a large serving bowl.

    Pouring olive oil on a salad.

    Mix them all together well. Taste the salad and adjust to your liking for salt, pepper, and lemon.

    Mixing cucumber tomato salad.

    Serve it fresh.

    FAQs

    How long does Shirazi salad keep?

    Not long at all, it really is best enjoyed freshly made. If you are storing it to serve later that day, it will stay fresh in the fridge for a few hours.

    Does Shirazi salad have dairy?

    It doesn't, as there is traditionally no cheese added and no dairy in the dressing. However, if you'd like you can customize it with feta or other types of cheese.

    What is the history

    Shirazi salad is an Iranian dish, which originates from the city of Shiraz in the south of Iran. The ingredients and flavors in the salad are ones you will see reflected throughout Persian, Iranian, and broader Middle Eastern cuisine.

    What do you serve with Shirazi salad?

    This salad is fantastic alone but works well as a side dish for other great Persian/Iranian dishes like kabob barg and joojeh kabob.

    Large platter of cucumber tomato salad with gold utensils.

    Serve this salad with...

    If you love Persian cuisine, you'll love to serve this recipe with one or more of these favorites:

    • Grilled Koobideh - Persian Ground Beef Kabob
    • Kotlet
    • Saffron Cod - Mahi ba Zafferan
    • Joojeh Kabob - Persian Chicken Kabob

    I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM, TOKTOK, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m up to.

    Large platter of cucumber tomato salad with gold utensils.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    15-Minute Shirazi Salad - Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad

    This bright and colorful Shirazi salad takes uber-fresh ingredients like Persian cucumbers and Roma tomatoes and pairs them with parsley, and lemon to create a crisp, light salad.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time0 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Persian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Kosher, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 80kcal
    Author: Candice

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb tomato finely diced*
    • 1 lb cucumber finely diced*
    • ⅓ lb red onion finely diced*
    • 1.5 oz. Parsley minced
    • 2 tablespoon mint minced (optional)
    • 3 tablespoon lemon juice with (optional) zest, plus more to taste, 2 lemons, or ab gooreh**
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper plus more to taste

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients to a serving bowl.
    • Mix well, taste, and adjust for salt, pepper, and lemon.
    • Serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    * Salad Shirazi is known for its fine, uniform dice. The closer you can get to ¼" dice, the better.
    ** Ab gooreh is sour grape juice. You can find it at most middle eastern markets or online.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 376mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1353IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating and/or comment! And tag @ProportionalPlate on TikTok or Instagram... I'd love to see what you're making.

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    1. Salima Benkhalti

      March 14, 2023 at 11:09 am

      5 stars
      Love all of the flavors and the fine dice is everything!

      Reply

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    Meet Candice

    On this blog, I get to share the food that I love, and get to enjoy in my own home. My Persian Jewish heritage influences most of my recipes, and my travels inspire them. And I'm sure you'll notice my love for everything matcha. Welcome, and enjoy!

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    Woman with a flower.

    Meet Candice

    On this blog, I get to share the food that I love, and get to enjoy in my own home. My Persian Jewish heritage influences most of my recipes, and my travels inspire them. And I'm sure you'll notice my love for everything matcha. Welcome, and enjoy!

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