Fresh & Zesty Crisp Shirazi Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing shirazi salad that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

This classic Persian salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions in a simple yet irresistible mix.

Every bite delivers a zesty crunch that awakens your taste buds with its bright, clean ingredients.

Chopped with precision and dressed in a light olive oil and lemon vinaigrette, the salad sings with freshness.

The colorful medley of vegetables creates a light, nutritious side dish that complements grilled meats or stands beautifully on its own.

Each forkful promises a cool, invigorating experience that transports you to the sunny streets of Iran.

Dive into this salad and let its simple elegance win you over.

How to Serve a Refreshing Shirazi Salad

• Persian Feast Companion: Pair with tender grilled kebabs or lamb chops for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.
• Bread Dipping Delight: Use warm pita or lavash bread to scoop up the salad, soaking up the zesty lemon dressing for extra flavor.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken to transform this light salad into a satisfying main course.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or summer barbecues as a cool, crisp side dish.

Storing Your Shirazi Salad the Right Way

• Flavor Boost Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad stays crisp and tangy, perfect for quick snacks or lunch additions.
• Quick Meal Prep Trick: Chop vegetables ahead of time and store separately from dressing. Mix ingredients just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy textures.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this vibrant salad with grilled meats, Middle Eastern dishes, or as a light standalone lunch. Its zesty profile complements various main courses beautifully.
• Temperature Magic: Always serve chilled for the best taste experience. The cool temperature enhances the fresh ingredients' natural flavors and provides a refreshing eating sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 70 kcal

Servings: 4

Shirazi Salad Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cucumber: Crisp base that adds cool, hydrating crunch and light texture to the salad.
• Tomatoes: Sweet and tangy component that provides vibrant color and juicy depth.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty element that introduces a spicy undertone and aromatic complexity.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic liquid that tenderizes vegetables and creates a zesty flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich liquid that helps bind ingredients and adds subtle Mediterranean essence.
• Dried Mint: Traditional Persian herb that delivers refreshing, cooling notes throughout the salad.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances the natural vegetable flavors.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that adds gentle heat and aromatic depth.

• Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herb options that provide final aromatic touch and visual appeal with their delicate green leaves.

Tools for a Fresh Shirazi Salad

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables safely and cleanly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for finely dicing cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion with precision.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container to toss and combine salad ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate tool for measuring salt, dried mint, and other seasonings.

Steps to Make Traditional Shirazi Salad

• Slice Veggies with Precision

Grab crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty red onion. Chop them into tiny, uniform cubes that dance together perfectly. Drop these colorful gems into a roomy mixing bowl.

• Create Flavor Magic

Whip up a tangy dressing by blending fresh lemon juice with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle in dried mint, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Stir until the ingredients sing in harmony.

• Marry the Ingredients

Drizzle the vibrant dressing over your chopped vegetables. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the bright, herbal mixture.

• Let Flavors Mingle

Pop the salad into the refrigerator for a quick 10-minute rest. This allows the ingredients to get acquainted and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.

• Showcase Your Creation

Optional: Scatter some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve this cool, refreshing salad as a perfect companion to any main dish.

Bright Ideas for Shirazi Salad Add-ins

• Veggie Precision Matters: Ensure uniform, small-sized vegetable cuts for a consistent texture and balanced bite in every spoonful.
• Dressing Depth: Let the salad marinate slightly longer (up to 30 minutes) for more intense flavor absorption and enhanced taste profile.
• Herb Swap Magic: Experiment with fresh mint or dill instead of dried mint for a brighter, more vibrant herbal note.
• Mediterranean Diet Friendly: This salad is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Temperature Trick: Serve immediately after chilling for the crispest vegetables and most refreshing taste experience.

Crisp Shirazi Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Iranian Shirazi salad blends crisp cucumber, ripe tomatoes, and tangy onions with zesty herbs. Fresh ingredients create a refreshing Mediterranean-style side dish you’ll savor alongside grilled meats or as a light, cool accompaniment.

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Ingredients

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• 3 tomatoes, ripe, finely diced
• 2 Persian cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber), finely diced
• 1 small red onion, finely diced (or white onion for a milder flavor)
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice (or lime juice for a sharper flavor)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil (optional, traditional recipes often omit this)
• 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (4 g) fresh mint, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried mint)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Produce: Dice cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into uniform, small cubes to create a consistent texture and visually appealing base for the salad.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, dried mint, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to craft a zesty, aromatic dressing that will elevate the vegetable ensemble.
3. Flavor Fusion: Gently fold the prepared dressing into the chopped vegetables, ensuring each morsel is evenly coated without compromising the delicate structure of the ingredients.
4. Marination Moment: Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, transforming the simple ingredients into a harmonious culinary experience.
5. Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves just before serving, adding a burst of color and an extra layer of herbal brightness to the Shirazi salad.

Notes

• Precision in Chopping: Uniform dicing is crucial for texture consistency; use a sharp knife and cutting board to create small, even cubes of cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
• Marination Magic: Refrigerating the salad for 10-15 minutes allows flavors to meld and intensify, transforming the dish from good to extraordinary.
• Herb Flexibility: Swap between parsley and cilantro based on personal preference or availability; both add a fresh, vibrant touch to the salad.
• Dietary Adaptations: This salad is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb, making it an excellent option for various dietary requirements without compromising on taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Persian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg