If you’ve ever dined at a Persian restaurant, you’ve probably seen Shirazi Salad on the menu—and for good reason! This simple yet incredibly flavorful salad is a staple of Persian cuisine and the perfect refreshing side dish.
Made with finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, then tossed in a bright lemon dressing with dried mint, this salad is light, crisp, and bursting with fresh flavor
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken tawook, lamb kebabs, or beef shish kebabs—making it a must-have for any Mediterranean-inspired meal 😍
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Fresh, light, and refreshing
✔ Made with simple, everyday ingredients
✔ Ready in just 15 minutes
✔ Perfect side for grilled meats
✔ Naturally healthy and vegan
🥗 What Is Shirazi Salad?
Shirazi Salad (Salad-e Shirazi) originates from the city of Shiraz in southwestern Iran. It’s one of the most popular Persian salads, known for its finely chopped texture and bright, citrusy flavor.
Unlike other salads, everything is chopped very small, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.
🛒 Ingredients
- 6 Persian cucumbers (or 2 English cucumbers)
- 6 Roma tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
- Juice of 1 lemon (or 3 Persian limes)
- 2 tbsp dried mint
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Chop the Vegetables
Finely dice the cucumbers, tomatoes (seeds removed), and red onion.
👉 Tip: Keep everything the same size for the best texture
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix:
- Lemon juice
- Dried mint
- Salt and pepper
3. Combine
Add chopped vegetables to a large bowl.
Pour the lemon and mint mixture over the top and mix well.
4. Finish
Drizzle with olive oil just before serving and toss gently.
🔥 Important Tips
- Use Persian or English cucumbers (thin skin, fewer seeds)
- Do NOT peel the cucumbers
- Add dressing just before serving to keep it crunchy
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Swap red onion for white onion
- Use grape tomatoes instead of Roma
- Add fresh parsley for extra flavor 🌿
- Include chopped bell peppers or carrots for crunch
🍽️ What to Serve with Shirazi Salad
- Grilled chicken 🍗
- Lamb kebabs
- Beef skewers
- Rice dishes
- Mediterranean platters
❄️ Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh
- Store in the fridge up to 1 day
- Add dressing right before serving
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Persian Shirazi Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly amazing. Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect side dish to elevate any meal