Simple Shirazi salad (or Salad-e Shirazi) with cucumber, peppers, ripe tomatoes, shallots, lemon juice and aromatic herbs. Lovely summer salad of Persian origin that has become a staple dish across the Mediterranean basin. It can be served with any main meal (meat or meatless) or as an entrée.
If you’ve never had a Shirazi Salad, you really are missing a treat. Its sheer simplicity, paired with that wonderfully refreshing flavor, has made it one of our family’s summer staples. Originally Persian, it’s since found its way onto tables all around the Mediterranean. The real magic lies in the mix – fragrant herbs, a splash of fruit juice, and the freshest seasonal produce coming together beautifully.
Want MORE SIMPLE SALAD RECIPES? Try this refreshing summer salad too: Authentic Shopska Salad (Bulgarian) or this real Simple Spanish Tuna Salad (Pipirrana).
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cucumber cut in cubes
- Tomato cut in cubes
- Red pepper cut in cubes
- Shallots cut in circles
- Basil leaves, minced
- Parsley, minced
- Mint leaves, minced
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil, extra virgin
Recipe Tips
Like many dishes, Shirazi salad comes in a few variations. At its core, though, it’s made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions (often similar to shallots). The traditional Salad-e Shirazi uses verjuice – a tart juice made from grapes or apples – though you can easily substitute it with fresh lemon or lime juice, or even grape juice for a similar tang.
The classic version often includes fresh or dried mint, sumac (a spice with a bright, lemony flavor, available in Middle Eastern shops or online), and sometimes ground pepper.
In the version I usually make – the one featured in this recipe – I leave out the sumac and pepper, simply because my kids don’t take kindly to them in a salad. Feel free to experiment, though, and see which flavors suit you best.
One last tip: let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes, or up to an hour, before serving. This allows the juices from the vegetables and herbs to meld, giving the salad a deeper, more refreshing flavor – especially on a hot summer’s day.
Simple Shirazi Salad Recipe (Salad Shirazi)
Ingredients
- 1 long cucumber cut in cubes
- 1 large pink tomato cut in cubes
- 1 red pepper cut in cubes
- 3 shallots cut in circles
- 3 tbsp fresh basil leaves minced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley minced
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
Instructions
- Wash all vegetables under cold water, peel as needed. Then cut cucumber, tomato and red pepper in small cubes. Place in a large salad bowl.
- Then mince fresh mint, basil and parsley leaves and add to salad bowl. Slice shallots in circles and add to salad as well. Squeeze some lemon/lime juice and pour olive oil.
- Give the salad a good stir and let sit for 10 minutes in the fridge (covered with a cloth/lid or large plate). Letting the salad sit still for a while allows the ingredients to blend well, thus it becomes much more flavorful. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Sumac spice
- Ground pepper
- Grape juice in spite of lemon juice
- Cherry tomatoes instead of large pink tomato
Nutrition
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