Shirazi Salad

Shirazi salad is Iran’s everyday salad, named for the city of Shiraz, where it supposedly originated. It is nothing more than very finely diced cucumber, tomato, and onion dressed with lime juice, olive oil, and dried mint, yet it manages to be perfect. The key is cutting everything small enough that the juices mingle into a light, tangy dressing of their own. Some cooks add a pinch of sumac; the constant is lime juice, which keeps the salad bright and prevents it from tasting watery.

Cool, crisp, and bright with lime

Every bite is cool, crisp, and refreshing, with the tart lime cutting through rich stews and grilled meats. The onion should be mild and the tomatoes ripe and juicy. It takes ten minutes to make and goes with almost everything — which is why no Persian table is ever without it. It is lovely over grilled fish too, and leftovers are perfect tucked into a pita the next day.

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This dish is built from Middle Eastern pantry staples — explore all 20 in our guide to 20 essential Middle Eastern pantry ingredients.

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