Today’s Shirazi Salad Recipe is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorite salads to prepare. Its simplicity and incredible freshness make it a staple in my kitchen all year round, but it truly shines when made with peak-season produce from your summer garden or a local farmers market. This vibrant Persian cucumber and tomato salad is known for its finely diced ingredients and bright, zesty dressing.

It shares delightful similarities with other beloved Mediterranean salads, such as this Easy Lebanese Salad, Flavorful Arabic Salad, or this Classic Israeli Salad, all of which I also love to incorporate into my Mediterranean meals. However, Shirazi Salad holds a special place with its unique Persian twist.

The Shirazi Salad, often referred to as Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad or Salad-e Shirazi, hails from the rich culinary traditions of Iran. It bears the name of Shiraz, a historic city in southern Iran renowned for its deep culture, poetry, and of course, its exquisite cuisine. The traditional Shirazi salad typically features a harmonious blend of finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, elevated by the fragrant notes of fresh herbs like mint and parsley.

If you’re eager to explore more delightful salad creations, be sure to check out my other salad recipes here. You might also enjoy the bright flavors of this Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe, the hearty goodness of Mediterranean Bean Salad, or the refreshing simplicity of this Summer Orzo Pasta Salad. Each offers a unique taste experience perfect for any occasion.

Traditionally, the dressing for Shirazi Salad utilizes Ab Ghooreh (an unripe sour grape juice), combined with high-quality olive oil and a pinch of salt. The defining characteristic of this salad, beyond its fresh ingredients, is the precise, small dice of all the vegetables, ensuring every bite is a perfect medley of flavors and textures.

My particular version offers a delightful, slight modification to the classic. I love adding crisp green bell pepper for an extra layer of crunch and flavor, and I opt for tangy fresh lime juice {instead of the traditional sour grape juice} complemented by the unique, tart notes of sumac. This combination creates a truly irresistible dressing that perfectly coats every piece of the finely chopped vegetables.

This versatile Persian salad is traditionally served alongside a variety of main courses, such as succulent grilled meats like kebabs or savory Kafta, and various flavorful rice dishes. It also stands beautifully on its own as a refreshing appetizer, especially on a warm summer day. Beyond traditional pairings, I frequently incorporate this salad into my favorite modern main dishes. It makes an excellent topping for vibrant rice and hummus bowls, adds a fresh crunch to wraps, or can even be stirred into a warming soup for a bright contrast.

For an added touch, you can serve this crispy salad over a bed of crisp lettuce or romaine leaves. Sometimes, I even create a light and satisfying vegetarian meal by making a wrap with fresh lettuce or pita bread, generously spreading creamy Hummus, and then piling in this delightful Shirazi salad. It’s a wonderfully healthy and flavorful vegetarian option that never disappoints!

Why You Will Love This Easy Shirazi Salad Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this delightful Shirazi Salad a regular feature in your kitchen. Its combination of fresh ingredients, ease of preparation, and versatility makes it a true winner. Here’s why this Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad will quickly become a family favorite:

• Incredibly Fresh and Light: This Shirazi salad is bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a light and wholesome dish. Every bite makes you feel good, knowing you’re enjoying a truly healthy salad. During the warmer months, it’s the perfect way to utilize an abundance of fresh produce from your garden or local farmers market, like juicy heirloom tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, transforming them into a refreshing side dish. It’s a fantastic healthy side or light meal option.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Beyond the simple task of chopping your fresh ingredients into small, uniform pieces, this salad requires minimal effort. You can have this bright and flavorful Persian salad ready and on your table in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Its straightforward preparation is one of the main reasons I love serving it alongside my favorite Mediterranean meals.
• Perfect for Meal-Prep: This Shirazi salad is an excellent candidate for weekend meal preparation. By chopping all your vegetables ahead of time and storing them separately, you can enjoy fresh salad throughout the week. For optimal crispness and flavor, I highly recommend keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before you’re ready to serve. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, a comforting bowl of soup, or as a vibrant addition to a customizable rice bowl or wrap.

Essential Ingredients for Your Shirazi Salad

Crafting the perfect Shirazi Salad requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the signature crispness and vibrant flavor profile of this Persian masterpiece. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Crisp Vegetables: The heart of this salad lies in its finely diced vegetables. This recipe calls for ripe Roma tomatoes, which offer a firm texture and rich flavor, along with refreshing English cucumbers, known for their minimal seeds and thin skin. A touch of finely chopped red onion adds a subtle pungent kick, while crisp green bell pepper contributes a delightful crunch and mild sweetness. If English cucumbers are hard to find, you can substitute with four small Persian cucumbers for a similar delicate texture and flavor.
• Aromatic Fresh Herbs: One of my favorite aspects of this traditional Persian salad is the generous inclusion of fresh herbs. It features fragrant fresh dill, vibrant fresh parsley, and herbaceous fresh cilantro. These herbs are not just garnishes; they infuse the entire salad with layers of bright, earthy, and refreshing flavors that are absolutely essential to the authentic Shirazi taste.
• Sumac for Tangy Depth: I adore the unique flavor sumac brings to this salad. This deep red spice, derived from dried berries, adds a distinct tart, lemony, and slightly fruity flavor profile that perfectly complements the fresh lime juice. If sumac isn’t readily available in your pantry, you can omit it or try a pinch of za’atar for a different, yet still complementary, Middle Eastern spice blend.
• Bright Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the tangy, citrusy punch that brightens every component of this salad. Its zesty acidity is incredibly refreshing and balances the rich flavors of the vegetables and herbs. If limes are not on hand, freshly squeezed lemon juice makes an excellent substitute. For an extra burst of citrus aroma, consider adding a little lemon zest to the dressing.
• Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil: As with any good salad dressing, the quality of your olive oil truly matters. Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil is key to achieving a robust, fruity, and well-rounded flavor in the dressing. It emulsifies beautifully with the lime juice and sumac, coating the vegetables in a luxurious, flavorful sheen.

Simple Steps to Make a Perfect Shirazi Salad

Making Shirazi Salad is wonderfully straightforward, primarily involving precise chopping and a quick whisk of the dressing. Follow these easy steps to create this refreshing Persian classic:

• Step 1: Prepare and Mix Salad Ingredients: The key to a great Shirazi salad is uniformly small dicing. Begin by finely dicing your Roma tomatoes, English cucumber (or Persian cucumbers), red onion, green bell pepper. Once diced, add all these vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Then, add the freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, dill, and fresh mint. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The small, consistent dice ensures a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every mouthful.

• Step 2: Whisk the Flavorful Dressing: In a separate bowl, a small mason jar with a lid, or a dedicated salad dressing container, combine the sumac, freshly squeezed lime juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk vigorously or shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly emulsified into a smooth, tangy dressing. Taste the dressing and adjust with salt and pepper according to your preference. Once perfected, drizzle this vibrant dressing evenly over the prepared salad mixture and gently toss to ensure every piece of vegetable and herb is beautifully coated.
• Step 3: Serve and Enjoy: For the best flavor and crispness, serve your Shirazi Salad immediately after dressing. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate the dressed salad for up to 4 days. However, for optimum freshness, especially when meal prepping, it’s best to store the dressing separately and combine just before serving to maintain the vegetables’ delightful crunch.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Shirazi Salad

While the classic Shirazi Salad is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and experiment with these additions and variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences. These modifications can transform it into a heartier meal or introduce exciting new flavor profiles:

• Add Protein: To make this Shirazi salad a more substantial main course, consider adding cooked protein. Excellent choices include tender grilled chicken, savory beef, succulent shrimp, crispy falafel, or flaky grilled salmon. These additions not only boost the protein content but also add another layer of texture and flavor.
• Incorporate Beans: For a vegetarian-friendly protein boost and added fiber, mix in your favorite cooked beans. Chickpeas, white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), and black beans all work exceptionally well, adding bulk and a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables.
• Experiment with Dressings: While the lime-sumac dressing is a star, you can switch things up! Try adding a drizzle of sweet-tart pomegranate molasses for a richer flavor, or introduce a different tang with balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar. For a creamy dressing, whisk in a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Add Cheese: If you appreciate a savory, salty kick, crumbled feta cheese works exceptionally well in this Shirazi salad. Its briny notes perfectly complement the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing, adding a delightful creaminess.
• Vary the Vegetables: Don’t be afraid to add more of your favorite vegetables! Sliced avocado for healthy fats, marinated artichoke hearts for an earthy tang, roasted red peppers for sweetness, shredded carrots for color and crunch, thinly sliced radish, crisp celery, or even thinly sliced white onion can all be fantastic additions. For a little heat, consider adding finely diced jalapeños.
• Include Grains: Turn your Shirazi salad into a hearty grain bowl by mixing in cooked grains. Quinoa, bulgur wheat, couscous, fluffy brown rice, or chewy farro can all add substance, texture, and additional nutrients, making it a complete meal.
• Brighten with Pickled Vegetables: For an extra layer of zesty flavor and crunch, I love to add pickled vegetables to my salads. Quick pickled red onions offer a beautiful color and sharp taste, while a medley of quick pickled vegetables can add diverse textures and tang.
• Crunchy Nuts and Seeds: Enhance the texture and nutritional value by sprinkling in some nuts or seeds. Toasted sesame seeds, buttery pine nuts, crunchy sliced almonds, or earthy walnuts can add a delightful textural contrast and a boost of healthy fats.

Expert Tips for the Best Shirazi Salad

To ensure your Shirazi Salad is as fresh, crisp, and flavorful as possible, consider these expert tips for ingredient selection and preparation. The small details make all the difference in this classic Persian dish:

• Selecting the Right Tomatoes: When choosing tomatoes for your Shirazi salad, look for ones that are slightly firm but have a noticeable give when gently squeezed. This indicates ripeness without being overly soft. To prevent the salad from becoming too watery, especially if preparing ahead, you can remove the seeds and excess liquid from your diced tomatoes. Alternatively, simply drain any accumulated liquid from the salad before adding the dressing.
• Crisp Cucumbers are Key: For the best texture, always opt for a large English cucumber or about four smaller Persian cucumbers. These varieties have thinner skins and fewer seeds compared to standard cucumbers, providing a superior crunch. I prefer to leave the seeds in for added moisture and flavor, but you can remove them if desired. Avoid regular garden cucumbers, as they tend to be tougher and less crisp.
• Onion Preferences: Red onion adds a distinct sharpness and beautiful color to the salad. If you find its flavor too strong, you can reduce the amount, use a milder sweet onion, or opt for delicate shallots. For those who aren’t fans of raw onion, feel free to omit it entirely.
• The Bell Pepper Addition: Growing up, my grandma always included bell pepper in her Shirazi salad, and I’ve continued the tradition. It adds a wonderful crispness and a subtle, sweet undertone that I adore. While I typically use green bell pepper, red bell pepper can also be a fantastic choice, adding sweetness and a vibrant hue. You can certainly leave it out if you prefer a more traditional rendition.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: The array of fresh herbs – mint, parsley, cilantro, and dill – is paramount to the authentic flavor of Shirazi salad. While you can substitute dried mint and other dried herbs if absolutely necessary, I highly recommend using fresh whenever possible. The bright, aromatic, and distinct flavors of fresh herbs elevate this salad to another level.
• Dressing for Success: If you are meal-prepping this salad or not serving it immediately, it’s crucial to keep the salad vegetables and the dressing separate. I recommend combining the dressing with the vegetables no more than 10-15 minutes before serving. If the dressing sits on the salad for too long, the vegetables can lose their crispness and become mushy, detracting from the desired texture.

Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad is incredibly versatile and complements a wide array of dishes, from hearty mains to lighter fare. Its refreshing and tangy profile makes it an excellent palate cleanser and a vibrant contrast to richer flavors. Here are some fantastic ideas for what to serve alongside this delightful Persian salad:

• Hearty Soups: A bowl of warming soup makes a perfect main course alongside this crisp salad. I particularly love pairing it with a comforting Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup, a classic Lebanese Lentil Soup, or another flavorful Moroccan Red Lentil Soup. The fresh crunch of the salad provides a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth, rich soups.
• Fresh Seafood: Seafood dishes are another excellent option to pair with Shirazi Salad. Its bright flavors enhance grilled or pan-fried fish beautifully. Try it with this Easy Pan Fried Fish, a delicate Black Sea Bass, or the perfectly cooked Air Fryer Cod. The salad’s acidity cuts through the richness of the fish, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Mains: This salad is a natural fit for a variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern main dishes. It complements flavorful Moroccan Chicken Thighs, savory Lebanese Meat Pies, tender Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs, or zesty Greek Marinated Chicken Thighs. It adds a necessary lightness and freshness to these rich, spice-filled dishes.
• Rice and Hummus Bowls: Transform your Shirazi salad into a hearty and healthy topping for vibrant rice and hummus bowls. It adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor that elevates the entire dish. Some fantastic combinations include these Easy Mediterranean Hummus Bowls, nutrient-packed Mediterranean Buddha Bowls, protein-rich Mediterranean Salmon Bowls, or a wholesome Greek Quinoa Bowl.