Persian
Persian Shirazi Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Mint
Salad-e Shirazi is the cooling side every kebab night needs: tiny dice of cucumber and tomato, lots of fresh mint and parsley, red onion soaked so it stays mild, and a lime-forward dressing with a little dried mint if you have it. The texture should be almost relish-like so every forkful is juicy and bright.
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh VeggiesLow CarbQuick WeeknightMeal Prep Friendly
At a Glance
- Time
- 20 mins
- Serves
- 4 as a side
- Cost
- Low
- Cuisine
- Persian
- Dietary fit
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian
Instructions
- Spread the diced cucumber and tomato on a clean kitchen towel, roll it up gently, and press to remove excess juice so the finished salad does not pool water at the bottom of the bowl.
- Combine the cucumber, tomato, rinsed onion, mint, parsley, and dried mint (if using) in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper and toss with your hands to bruise the herbs just slightly.
- Whisk the lime juice and olive oil with a pinch of salt until emulsified. Pour over the vegetables and fold until every dice looks glossy.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10 minutes so the salt draws flavor from the tomatoes into the dressing.
- Taste and adjust with more lime for sourness, more oil for roundness, or more salt if the flavors taste muted. Serve cool alongside rice, grilled meats, or warm flatbread.
Adaptations
Works As Written- Gluten-Free: Works As Written Works as written; verify packaged ingredients as noted below.
- Dairy-Free: Works As Written Works as written; verify packaged ingredients as noted below.
- Vegetarian: Vegetarian Vegetarian as written.
How to adapt: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written. If you need allium-free, omit onion and add extra cucumber and a pinch of sumac for bite.