Shirazi salad. One of the best loved Middle Eastern salads, this dish is traditionally made with seasonal vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. The refreshing dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper is simple yet delicious. Ideal as a side for everything from grilled meats, to kebabs and rice dishes.
Why I Love This Vibrant Salad
Some recipes celebrate the freshness and beauty of seasonal produce instead of relying on elaborate techniques to make an impressive side. Enter this vibrant salad, one of those timeless dishes featuring a delicious combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, fresh herbs, and a beautiful dressing that has graced the Middle Eastern tables for generations.
What is the secret to the exceptional flavor? Although the ingredient list is remarkably short, each bite is perfectly balanced with the right texture and flavor. Use Persian (Lebanese) cucumbers for the authentic crisp texture. Tomatoes deliver sweetness and juiciness, while red onions add gentle sharpness. The vegetables are cut into uniform, bite sized cubes. The fresh herbs, parsley and mint, bring in additional layers of flavor and freshness. The final dressing is a refreshing blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.
While the classic salad remains the tastiest version, feel free to add a new dimension of flavor with a light sprinkle of sumac. This delicious side pairs beautifully with countless dishes including grilled chicken, meat or seafood, kebabs, Middle Eastern rice dishes, mezze platter, and even your favorite Indian spread.
Key Ingredients In Shirazi Salad
- Cucumbers - Crisp and fresh.
- Tomatoes - Vibrant and juicy.
- Onions - Imparts the sharpness.
- Olive oil - Key dressing element
- Herbs - Mint is key.
How To Make Shirazi Salad
Prep veggies and herbs - Chop all the veggies into small pieces. Chop herbs finely so it will absorb all the flavors. Add everything to a bowl.
Add dressing - This includes simple ingredients like lemon juice and olive oil combined with seasonings. Give the salad a quick toss to make the delicious side.
Shirazi Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 1 large tomato, diced and seeds removed
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ⅓ cup chopped mint leaves
- ½ teaspoon sumac (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and mint in a large bowl.
- Add sumac (if using).
- Add lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to combine.
Notes
- How to serve - Grilled meat, chicken or seafood, kebabs, mezzo platter, Middle Eastern rice dishes, and Indian dishes.
- Make ahead - The salad is best served fresh. However, you can chop the vegetables and store them in separate bowls in the refrigerator. Toss with the dressing just before serving.
- Storing leftovers - Refrigerate in an airtight container for a day, but the tomatoes will release their juices overtime.
- Mint - If fresh mint leaves are not easily available, you can use dried mint.
Nutrition
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Amy says
Love all the simple, delicious flavours!