Persian Shirazi Salad
Shirazi Salad, also known as Salad-e Shirazi, is a classic Persian salad that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavour. It comes from the beautiful city of Shiraz in southern Iran, known for its poetry, gardens, and delicious food. This simple salad is made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, tossed with olive oil, lime juice, and fragrant herbs.
The result is a crisp and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with Persian rice, kebabs, or grilled meats. It’s one of the most popular salads in Persian cuisine because it’s easy to make, healthy, and complements almost any meal.
A Refreshing and Traditional Persian Salad
Shirazi salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a burst of freshness on your plate. Every bite offers a balance of textures and flavours. The crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions come together with the tang of lime and the earthy aroma of mint and sumac.
It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re making a Persian feast or looking for a quick, healthy salad, this recipe is a great choice.
This salad is also ideal for warm days. It’s cool, hydrating, and adds a bright touch to any meal. You can serve it with rice dishes like Chelo Kebab or Adas Polo, or enjoy it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or stews.
The Origin of Shirazi Salad
The salad is named after Shiraz, a city famous for its culture, gardens, and hospitality. In traditional Persian meals, balance is very important—rich, flavourful dishes are often served with something light and refreshing. Shirazi salad provides that perfect contrast.
It has been enjoyed for generations in Iranian homes and is often served during family gatherings, picnics, and celebrations. Its simplicity and freshness make it timeless.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The ingredients in Shirazi salad are humble but carefully chosen. The cucumbers should be firm and crisp. Persian cucumbers are traditional, but English cucumbers work well too. Tomatoes add sweetness and colour, while onions bring sharpness and depth.
Fresh lime juice gives the salad its signature tang. Olive oil adds smoothness, and dried mint brings the unmistakable aroma of Persian cooking. A sprinkle of sumac adds a touch of lemony flavour and a beautiful pink hue.
While pomegranate seeds are not part of the traditional recipe, they make a lovely addition if you enjoy a hint of sweetness and crunch. They also add colour and nutrition, making the salad even more beautiful and festive.
For more refreshing and delicious salad ideas, click here for other salad recipes. You can also pair this salad with a classic Persian side like saffron and pistachio rice for a complete meal.
A Simple, Healthy, and Versatile Salad
Shirazi salad is easy to prepare and takes only a few minutes. Finely dicing the vegetables is key—it gives the salad its distinct texture and helps the flavours blend together.
It’s perfect for everyday meals or special occasions, offering freshness and nutrition in every bite. Once you try it, this Persian salad will surely become one of your favourites. Here’s a traditional recipe.
Persian Shirazi Salad
Ingredients
- 3 medium Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, finely diced
- 3 medium tomatoes deseeded and finely diced
- 1 small red or white onion finely diced
- 2 –3 tablespoons fresh lime juice or lemon juice or verjuice (ab-ghooreh)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tsp sumac
- 2 tsp dried mint or 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- A handful of chopped parsley or cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¾ cup Pomegranate seeds optional
Instructions
- Finely dice cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion into small, even cubes (around ¼ inch). The fine chopping is key to the texture of this salad.3 medium Persian cucumbers, 3 medium tomatoes, 1 small red or white onion
- Tip: If using English cucumbers, deseed them first. Also remove tomato seeds to prevent excess liquid.
- Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add the lime juice (or verjuice), olive oil, mint, sumac, salt, coriander or parsley leaves and pepper.2 –3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tsp sumac, 2 tsp dried mint, Salt and pepper, A handful of chopped parsley or cilantro
- Toss everything gently until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning or lime juice to your liking — the salad should taste bright and tangy.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let the flavours blend.
- Just before serving, stir in the pomegranate seeds, if using.¾ cup Pomegranate seeds
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a side dish with Persian rice dishes, grilled meats, or stews.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Shirazi salad is a traditional Persian salad made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, mixed with lime juice, olive oil, dried mint, and sumac.
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. For the freshest texture, add the lime juice and salt just before serving.
If you don’t have verjuice, use fresh lime or lemon juice. Both give a similar tangy flavour that complements the salad beautifully.
Absolutely. Use about two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint in place of 2 teaspoons of dried mint for a more vibrant taste.
It stays fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container, though it’s best enjoyed within a few hours of making it.
This salad pairs perfectly with Persian rice dishes, kebabs, grilled meats, and stews, adding a bright and refreshing contrast.
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