A light and flavorful salad from the Middle East is easy to make at home. This article will cover:
- What is Shirazi salad, and where it came from
- The fresh ingredients that go into this tasty dish
- Simple steps to prepare the salad yourself
- Why it’s a healthy choice for meals year-round
Do you like salads with a bright, refreshing taste? If so, keep reading to learn about Shirazi salad!
What Is Shirazi Salad?
A Salad Named After an Iranian City
Shirazi salad is a simple chopped salad that originated in Shiraz, an Iranian city. Its name comes from where this type of salad was first created and enjoyed.
The salad features a mix of:
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint
A Light and Flavorful Dressing
The dressing that coats the fresh vegetables is very light and tangy. It contains:
- Olive oil
- Lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Salt and pepper
Some variations use sour grape juice instead of citrus, but lime or lemon is more common.
Step-by-Step Salad Instructions
Prep the Dressing First
- Mix together olive oil and lime (or lemon) juice in a large bowl. About 3 tablespoons of each works well.
- Add a dash of salt and pepper and whisk everything together until blended.
Chop the Fresh Veggies
Photo Credit – flickr
- Finely dice Persian or English cucumbers into very small pieces.
- Also, dice the red onion and tomatoes (after removing the seeds) into tiny bits.
- Optionally, add some finely chopped green bell pepper for extra crunch.
Add Herbs and Mix
- Add fresh parsley, cilantro, and dried mint to the bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the chopped veggies and herbs.
- Gently toss everything together until fully coated in the dressing.
And that’s it! The salad is ready to eat.
A Refreshing Choice for Any Meal
Shirazi salad has a wonderfully fresh, crisp taste and texture. The combination of cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy onions, and bright herbs makes it incredibly flavorful.
Yet it’s also light and healthy, with simple olive oil being the main source of fat. The salad provides vitamins, fiber, and hydration from all the veggies.
It’s perfect for kebabs, rice dishes, or other hearty Middle Eastern meals. But it’s so tasty that many also enjoy it as a light main course.
Whether for lunch, dinner, or picnics, Shirazi salad is a refreshing choice any time of year. Its simplicity allows the natural flavors to shine.
Have you tried this colorful Persian chopped salad before? If not, why make it at home soon using the easy recipe above? It’s a delicious way to enjoy lots of fresh, nutritious veggies.
Photo Credit – Freepik
