This straightforward Shirazi Salad is a refreshing Persian dish made with tomatoes, cucumbers, pink onion, and contemporary herbs, all tossed in olive oil and lemon (or lime) juice. It’s crisp, flavorful, and the right facet dish for any meal.
You understand I really like an excellent chopped salad, and this Shirazi salad is one I make on repeat. It’s obtained that contemporary, herby goodness like Greek salad however with somewhat Persian aptitude. Assume crisp, juicy, citrusy, and ridiculously straightforward to throw collectively.
For those who’ve tried my Mediterranean quinoa salad or cucumber tomato salad, this one is correct up your alley. It’s gentle, refreshing, and one way or the other tastes even higher after sitting for a bit—aka meal prep gold!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with easy elements – Nothing fancy or arduous to seek out, simply contemporary veggies, herbs, and a zippy dressing.
- Naturally hydrating – Due to all of the cucumbers and tomatoes, it’s gentle, refreshing, and full of water-rich elements.
- Customizable – Need further crunch? Add bell peppers. Love spice? Toss in some chopped jalapeño. You can also make it your personal!
- Pairs with all the pieces – Whether or not it’s a comfy home-cooked meal or a summer time BBQ unfold, this salad simply works.
Substances Wanted
- tomatoes – roma tomatoes work nice right here, however any agency, juicy tomato will do
- cucumber – I like utilizing an English cucumber or Persian cucumbers since they’re crisp and fewer watery.
- pink onion – provides simply the correct amount of crunch and somewhat chunk.
- bell pepper – non-compulsory, however it provides a pleasant further layer of crunch and sweetness.
- contemporary herbs – a mixture of parsley, mint, and dill makes this salad pop with taste.
- lemon juice – freshly squeezed for that vibrant, zesty dressing.
- olive oil – provides somewhat richness and helps carry all of the flavors collectively.
- sumac – this Persian spice provides a tangy, barely earthy taste. Don’t skip it if yow will discover it!
- salt & pepper – simply sufficient to season all the pieces to perfection.
Substitutions
- Swap up the citrus: Conventional Shirazi salad could be made with lemon or lime juice. For those who’re out of each, a splash of pink wine vinegar works in a pinch!
- No sumac? No drawback!: Sumac provides a barely tangy, earthy taste, however in case you don’t have it, attempt a tiny pinch of lemon zest or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
- Cucumber choices: English or Persian cucumbers are finest since they’re much less watery, but when all you’ve gotten are common cucumbers, simply scoop out a number of the seeds earlier than chopping.
- Make it oil-free: For those who desire a no-oil model, you’ll be able to skip the olive oil and let the contemporary lemon juice do all of the work!
Easy methods to Make Shirazi Salad
Step 1: Mix all elements collectively in a big bowl.
Step 2: Season with salt and pepper to style. Refrigerate till able to serve.
Brittany’s Recipe Ideas!
- Let it sit for max taste: This salad will get even higher after sitting for half-hour or so, permitting the flavors to meld collectively. You probably have time, let it chill within the fridge earlier than serving!
- Use contemporary elements: Since this recipe is all about contemporary flavors, ripe, juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers make all of the distinction.
- Don’t skip the sumac: If yow will discover it, sumac is value it! It provides a singular tangy depth that takes this salad from good to wonderful.
- Serve chilled: This salad tastes finest chilly or barely chilled, so maintain it within the fridge till you’re able to serve.
Easy methods to Serve Shirazi Salad
This contemporary, zesty salad goes with nearly all the pieces! Whether or not you’re serving it with grilled proteins, a comfy soup, or a traditional Persian meal, listed below are a few of my favourite methods to get pleasure from it:
- With rooster – Shirazi salad is the right refreshing facet for grilled and roasted rooster. Serve it with Greek rooster, or rooster kabobs for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- With seafood – Pair this salad with grilled or roasted fish, shrimp, or any seafood dish! Attempt it alongside air fryer salmon bites, air fryer shrimp, or a easy baked white fish for a light-weight, flavorful meal.
- With soup & bread – An enormous bowl of heat, comforting soup pairs completely with this crisp, contemporary salad. Attempt it with lentil soup or a hearty sausage and kale soup, and serve with pita, naan, or crusty sourdough bread for the final word meal.
- Traditional Persian pairings – Historically, Shirazi salad is served with Persian dishes like lamb, kebabs, and rice-based meals. It’s a terrific facet for Chelow (Persian steamed rice), Baghali Polo (dill and fava bean rice), or Kabab Koobideh (floor beef or lamb kebabs).
Easy methods to Retailer & Meal Prep
Fridge – Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. The flavors will proceed to develop, however the veggies will launch some liquid as they sit. Give it an excellent stir earlier than serving!
Meal prep tip – If making forward, maintain the dressing separate and blend all the pieces proper earlier than serving to maintain the veggies crisp.
Often Requested Questions
Shirazi salad is a standard Persian salad made with finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, tossed with contemporary herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, and sumac for a vibrant, refreshing taste.
This salad will get its identify from Shiraz, a metropolis in Iran, the place it originated. It’s a staple in Persian delicacies and is usually served as a facet dish with grilled meats, rice, and stews.
Sure and no! Whereas each are contemporary, herby, and citrusy, Greek salad normally has feta and olives, whereas Shirazi salad is dairy-free and makes use of sumac for further taste.
Extra Aspect Salad Recipes
You should definitely take a look at extra facet salad recipes in addition to the complete assortment of salad recipes on EBF!
