Refreshing Shirazi Salad with Mint and Lime
A quintessential dish from the heart of Iran, Refreshing Shirazi Salad combines ripe, juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, creating a colorful medley that’s perfect for summer. This vibrant salad, also known as Salad-e Shirazi, is enhanced with the aromatic essence of fresh mint and the zesty kick of lime or lemon juice. Served chilled, it's a delightful accompaniment to any meal or a refreshing stand-alone treat on a hot day. Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite with this easy-to-make salad that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body.
4
Servings
75
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
3 large (Finely chopped)
Cucumbers
2 (Finely chopped)
Red or Yellow Onion
1 small (Finely chopped)
Lemon Juice or Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (Extra virgin)
Fresh Mint
1 tablespoon (Finely chopped)
Garlic
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Finely chop the firm tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables. Add in the finely chopped fresh mint.
4
Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing, being careful not to mash the vegetables.
5
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
6
Serve the salad chilled, garnished with additional mint if desired, alongside your favorite meals or as a refreshing snack.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Shirazi Salad?
It is a quintessential dish from Iran, also known as Salad-e Shirazi, consisting of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.
Where does Shirazi Salad originate from?
This vibrant salad originates from the heart of Iran, specifically the city of Shiraz.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, lemon or lime juice, olive oil, fresh mint, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Refreshing Shirazi Salad is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
How should I chop the vegetables for this salad?
The tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions should be finely chopped into small, uniform pieces.
What kind of citrus juice is best for the dressing?
You can use either freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice depending on your preference.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
While the recipe calls for fresh mint, you can use dried mint if fresh is unavailable, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, this version includes one teaspoon of minced garlic for extra flavor.
Is Shirazi Salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.75g of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil.
What type of onion should I use?
You can use either a small red or yellow onion for this recipe.
How much fiber is in the salad?
Each serving provides 2.5g of dietary fiber.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a few hours in advance, but it is best served chilled after at least 30 minutes of resting.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
Firm, ripe, and juicy tomatoes are best so they hold their shape when finely chopped.
How much protein is in this salad?
There is approximately 1.25g of protein per serving.
Is it okay to use regular olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the dressing.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 8.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the mint with other herbs?
While mint is traditional, some variations use parsley, but the flavor will change significantly.
Should I peel the cucumbers?
The recipe calls for crisp cucumbers; you can peel them or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.
How do I ensure the vegetables don't get mashed?
Gently toss the ingredients together with the dressing instead of stirring vigorously.
What can I serve Shirazi Salad with?
It's a great accompaniment to kebabs, rice dishes, or served as a refreshing standalone snack.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-calorie dish rich in vegetables and part of a Mediterranean-style diet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
Can I add more lime juice if I like it zesty?
Yes, you can adjust the lime or lemon juice to taste if you prefer a more tangy flavor.
Is there any sodium information?
The specific sodium content is not provided, but you can control it by adding salt to taste.
Can I add black pepper?
Yes, black pepper is included in the dressing instructions to be added to taste.
What is the primary category of this dish?
It is categorized as a Vegetable dish.