Persian Shirazi Salad

If you’re interested in a light, refreshing salad full of vibrancy, look no further than the Persian Shirazi Salad! This simple and delicious recipe is a staple in Persian cuisine. Interestingly, it is named after a city in Shiraz, Iran. This salad was a firm favourite in my early childhood and was eaten almost every Friday. It is best enjoyed with meat such as Lamb.

So, what makes this salad so unique? Well, it is a sensory experience. The combination of onions, cucumber, firm and juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion has a fantastic crunch. The addition of lime juice, salt, and grapeseed oil takes this salad over the top. Some people add dried mint; others use fresh mint. The choice is yours, although we advise you not to miss the mint. It really does make a big difference.

In Persian culture, food is connected to tradition, and Shirazi salad is frequently served at family gatherings. It is served alongside kebabs and grilled meat. The Persian Shirazi salad also pairs perfectly with outdoor Barbecues, such as mashed potatoes and grilled lamb chops. The best part about this salad is the addition of lime juice, which cuts through the grease of rich foods, therefore aiding in the digestive process.

Ingredients

Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Lime Juice, Grapeseed oil, Fresh mint and Salt.

There are so many reasons to include this delicious salad as a regular side-dish. Cucumbers offer a great deal of hydration, they are also loaded with Vitamin E which is good for your skin and hair. Plus, tomatoes are rich in Lycopene and Vitamin C.

Red onions have an array of antioxidants. The list goes on and on. As mentioned above, the juice of the lime cuts through greasy food, so its perfect for oily foods. You can also eat the Persian Shirazi salad with fried fish, fried chicken and more. Grapeseed oil is optional, however, you can also substitute it with olive oil which is heart-healthy.

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all of the fresh ingredients. Cut the cucumbers into small cubes. Cut the tomatoes and onions into small cube-like pieces. The smaller the cube size, the better.

This will help the flavors meld, creating a more flavorful dish. Roll the mint leaves up and slice them horizontally to cut them into thin ribbons.

Squeeze the juice of one lime into a bowl. Add grapeseed oil and salt. Mix the ingredients and drizzle the dressing over the vegetables. Chill in the fridge for twenty minutes, and then serve. If you’re in a hurry, you can also immediately eat the Persian Shirazi salad.

What can you Serve with Persian Shirazi Salad?

This salad pairs perfectly with other Persian dishes like Kebabs and Grilled meats. Other Western dishes include Grilled Chicken, Lamb Kofta, Grilled Lamb Chops, Lamb Curry, Hummus, and Garlic Naan.

How to Store Persian Shirazi Salad?

Store in the fridge for one to two days. If you’ve drizzled the lime juice on top of the tomatoes and onions, it is crucial to consume the salad as soon as possible. It is very easy to make this salad, and it is best consumed fresh. It is not possible to freeze this salad.

Three Ways to Spruce up the Persian Shirazi Salad

If you’re interested in sprucing up this salad, we’ve got three ways to do so. Firstly, adding Pomegranate molasses (1 tsp) to the salad dressing alongside balsamic vinegar (1 tsp) will transform this salad into a tangy, sweet, citrusy experience. This dish is perfect for enhancing the flavor of your main meal, primarily when serving a lightly seasoned grilled chicken breast.

The second way to do so is to omit the mint leaves in favor of parsley and use lemon juice instead of lime juice. This will create a more rustic salad with more vibrant flavors. Lastly, adding rich and tangy mayonnaise to coat the tomatoes and onions will create a creamier salad that is very different from the traditional recipe. However, it is worth exploring, especially if you want to try something different.