Critical Moments
- •Uniform 5mm dice on all vegetables
- •Removing excess liquid from tomatoes
- •Generous lime juice—should taste bright and acidic
- •Serving fresh (doesn't hold well)
Prepare the cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers. If using Persian cucumbers, no need to peel—simply trim the ends. If using English cucumber, peel alternating strips for a striped effect, or leave unpeeled. Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise, then into quarters lengthwise. Slice crosswise into small dice, approximately 5mm cubes. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Critical Step
Uniform dice is essential for Salad Shirazi—it ensures even distribution of flavors in every bite and creates the signature texture. Aim for 5mm cubes; larger dice changes the character of the salad.
Prepare the cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers. If using Persian cucumbers, no need to peel—simply trim the ends. If using English cucumber, peel alternating strips for a striped effect, or leave unpeeled. Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise, then into quarters lengthwise. Slice crosswise into small dice, approximately 5mm cubes. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Critical Step
Uniform dice is essential for Salad Shirazi—it ensures even distribution of flavors in every bite and creates the signature texture. Aim for 5mm cubes; larger dice changes the character of the salad.
Prepare the tomatoes
Cut tomatoes in half through the equator. Gently squeeze out some of the seeds and excess liquid (this prevents a watery salad). Cut each half into strips, then dice into cubes the same size as the cucumber—approximately 5mm. Add to the bowl with cucumbers.
Critical Step
Removing excess seeds and liquid prevents the salad from becoming watery. The tomatoes should be firm enough to hold their shape when diced—overripe tomatoes will become mushy.
Common Mistakes
- •Using overripe, soft tomatoes (falls apart)
- •Not removing seeds (watery salad)
- •Uneven dice (inconsistent texture)
Prepare the tomatoes
Cut tomatoes in half through the equator. Gently squeeze out some of the seeds and excess liquid (this prevents a watery salad). Cut each half into strips, then dice into cubes the same size as the cucumber—approximately 5mm. Add to the bowl with cucumbers.
Critical Step
Removing excess seeds and liquid prevents the salad from becoming watery. The tomatoes should be firm enough to hold their shape when diced—overripe tomatoes will become mushy.
Common Mistakes
- •Using overripe, soft tomatoes (falls apart)
- •Not removing seeds (watery salad)
- •Uneven dice (inconsistent texture)
Prepare the onion
Peel the onion and cut in half from root to tip. Place cut-side down and make horizontal cuts, then vertical cuts, then slice crosswise to create small dice matching the other vegetables—approximately 5mm. For a milder flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Common Mistakes
- •Onion pieces too large (overpowers the salad)
- •Using too much onion (should be less than cucumber or tomato)
Prepare the onion
Peel the onion and cut in half from root to tip. Place cut-side down and make horizontal cuts, then vertical cuts, then slice crosswise to create small dice matching the other vegetables—approximately 5mm. For a milder flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Common Mistakes
- •Onion pieces too large (overpowers the salad)
- •Using too much onion (should be less than cucumber or tomato)
Combine the vegetables
Add the diced onion to the bowl with cucumber and tomato. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Combine the vegetables
Add the diced onion to the bowl with cucumber and tomato. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper (if using), and dried mint (if using) until combined. Alternatively, simply add these directly to the salad—traditional home cooks often do this.
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper (if using), and dried mint (if using) until combined. Alternatively, simply add these directly to the salad—traditional home cooks often do this.
Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. Taste and adjust salt and lime juice—the salad should be brightly acidic and well-seasoned.
Critical Step
The lime juice is essential—it should be generously acidic. Under-dressed Salad Shirazi is bland. Taste and add more lime and salt until it sings.
Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece. Taste and adjust salt and lime juice—the salad should be brightly acidic and well-seasoned.
Critical Step
The lime juice is essential—it should be generously acidic. Under-dressed Salad Shirazi is bland. Taste and add more lime and salt until it sings.
Garnish and serve
Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with fresh mint (if using) and a dusting of sumac (if using). Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes. Salad Shirazi is best fresh but can sit for a short while.
Garnish and serve
Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with fresh mint (if using) and a dusting of sumac (if using). Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes. Salad Shirazi is best fresh but can sit for a short while.
