Description
Shirazi Salad is a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean salad made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, tossed with a simple lemon-olive oil dressing seasoned with dried mint, salt, and pepper. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a colorful and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 English cucumber, chopped (or 4 Persian cucumbers)
- 4 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely dice or chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion, then add all the chopped vegetables along with the chopped parsley into a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jug, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, ground black pepper, and dried mint. Stir well with a spoon or whisk to emulsify the dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables and parsley, then toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crispness, or let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and fully infuse before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor for the dressing.
- For a less pungent onion flavor, soak the chopped red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- Allowing the salad to rest for 30 minutes enhances the taste but serving immediately keeps it crisp.
- This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
