Description
Persian Shirazi Salad is a refreshing, tangy salad made with finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, dressed with fresh lime or lemon juice, dried mint, and olive oil. This traditional Iranian salad is light, vibrant, and perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 Persian cucumbers or 2 English cucumbers
- 6 medium Roma tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
Dressing
- 3 small Persian limes or 1 large lemon (about 5 tbsp of fresh lemon juice)
- 2 tbsp dried mint
- 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the onion: Peel and finely chop the small red onion to ensure a mild onion flavor throughout the salad.
- Prepare the cucumber: Cut off the ends of each cucumber. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters lengthwise. Finely chop the pieces to create small, evenly sized cucumber bits.
- Prepare the tomatoes: Cut each Roma tomato in half and carefully remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture. Finely chop the tomatoes once deseeded to balance texture with the cucumbers and onions.
- Make the dressing base: Squeeze the juice from the Persian limes or lemon into a bowl. Add salt, black pepper, and dried mint, stirring to combine the flavors.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the finely chopped tomatoes, red onion, and cucumbers. Pour the lime/lemon juice mixture with the seasonings over the vegetables. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even coating of the dressing.
- Add olive oil and serve: Just before serving, drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the salad and gently toss to incorporate. This adds richness and smoothness to the tart, fresh flavors.
Notes
- To reduce onion pungency, soak chopped onions in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing.
- Using Persian cucumbers maintains a crunchier texture; English cucumbers are a suitable substitute.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- The salad tastes best when served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- For extra freshness, add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
