Shirazi salad facts for kids
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| Type | Salad |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  Iran |
| Region or state | Shiraz |
| Serving temperature | Cold |
| Main ingredients | Cucumber, Tomato, Onion, Mint, Oliver oil(optional) |
| 50 kcal (209 kJ) | |
Shirazi salad (Persian: سالاد شیرازی sālād shirāzi) is a super fresh and tasty salad from Iran. It gets its name from the city of Shiraz in southern Iran, where it first became popular.
This salad is a fairly new dish. It started appearing after tomatoes were brought to Iran around the late 1800s, during a time called the Qajar era. The main things you'll find in Shirazi salad are crunchy cucumber, juicy tomato, and sharp onion. These are mixed with olive oil, special herbs, and a sour juice called verjuice. Sometimes, people use lime juice instead of verjuice.
In Iran, Shirazi salad is a popular side dish, especially in the summer. It's often eaten with main meals like kebab or rice dishes such as loobia polo. It can even be served before or after your meal. Many people think of it as Iran's national salad because it's so common and loved. It's also great for cooling down spicy stews. This salad is usually crisp and moist, a bit like pico de gallo or Israeli salad.
What's in Shirazi Salad?
The main ingredients for Shirazi salad are cut into very small, neat cubes. These are cucumber, tomato, and onion. These tiny pieces are then mixed with a sour liquid. This liquid is usually verjuice, which is made from unripe grapes. Sometimes, fresh lemon or lime juice is used instead.
A little bit of dried mint is also added for flavor. You might also find olive oil, salt, and pepper in the mix. Some recipes add other herbs like chopped fresh mint, parsley, scallions, or dill. A spice called sumac or red vinegar can also be included.
How to Enjoy Shirazi Salad
Shirazi salad often has a mix of sour and salty flavors. The taste can get even better if you let it sit for an hour or more before eating. This gives all the flavors time to mix together perfectly.
You can eat this salad on its own as a light meal. It also goes well with different kinds of bread, like pita or lavash. Some people like to eat it with cheese or walnuts for an extra treat. It's a truly refreshing dish, especially on a warm day!
