When it comes to fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dishes, Mediterranean cuisine never disappoints. One such delightful dish is the Shirazi Salad, a staple in Persian and Middle Eastern kitchens.
This salad is not only a feast for the eyes with its colorful ingredients but also a treat for the taste buds with its refreshing flavors. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make this simple yet exquisite salad that can complement a variety of meals.
Why Shirazi Salad?
Shirazi Salad is a fantastic choice for those who love quick and easy recipes that don’t compromise on taste. With a prep and total time of just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The salad is versatile and can be paired with numerous dishes, adding a burst of color and flavor to your dining table.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the salad:
- 1 English cucumber chopped, or 4 Persian cucumbers
- 4 tomatoes chopped
- 1 red onion chopped
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
For the 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
These ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making Shirazi Salad an accessible option for many.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by finely dicing or chopping the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Add these to a large mixing bowl along with the chopped parsley. The key to a good Shirazi Salad is uniformity in cutting the vegetables, ensuring every bite is balanced.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jug, combine the extra virgin olive oil with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add in the salt, ground black pepper, and dried mint. Stir well to combine. For a more emulsified dressing, you can whisk the ingredients until they blend seamlessly.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables. Toss everything together until the salad is well coated in the dressing.
- Serve: For best results, serve the salad immediately. However, if you want the flavors to meld, allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh Herbs: While not traditional, adding fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or mint leaves can enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Shirazi Salad pairs beautifully with rice dishes such as Mujadara, Middle Eastern pastries, hummus, stews, and soups.
- Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, consider dressing it just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
Nutritional Information:
A serving of Shirazi Salad offers approximately 67 calories, making it a light yet satisfying choice. It contains 6g of carbohydrates, 1g of protein, and 5g of fat. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C.
In Conclusion:
Shirazi Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparation. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this salad is an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste will surely make it a favorite at your table. So next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy dish to prepare, remember this delightful Mediterranean gem!
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Shirazi Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Shirazi salad is so fresh, simple, quick, and easy to make! It complements so many dishes and can add lots of color and flavor to your meals. Uses very simple common ingredients, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 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
Finely dice or chop the vegetables and add to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl or jug, combine the olive oil with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and add in the dried mint. Give everything a good stir, or if you want the dressing emulsified, use a whisk.
Toss the salad with the dressing until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or allow the flavors to settle and infuse for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
– This salad is best prepared and enjoyed immediately (or within an hour), as the vegetables can become soggy with the dressing if stored overnight.
– If you’re making this a couple of hours ahead, it’s best to store the salad and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
– Add more fresh herbs such as cilantro, dill, and mint leaves. While not traditional, they can make a tasty addition.
– Serve with rice dishes like Mujadara, or alongside stews, Middle Eastern pastries, hummus, and soups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 67
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 201mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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