Cucumber and Tomato Salad (Persian Salad Shirazi)

Persian Salad Shirazi is a chopped cucumber tomato salad with red onions and mint in a citrus dressing. Salad Shirazi is a refreshing Persian side dish of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and mint. Think of it as the Persian cousin to pica de gallo. The salad originates from the city of Shiraz in modern day Iran. This salad is found often in Middle Eastern and Persian cuisine. And, as such, you will find many variations on this salad, sometimes using different herbs and using lemon or lime juice. It is a salad to celebrate summer's produce. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint always grow in abundance in our garden. They're some of the few things that I can always count on. This salad had become a favourite for us when we're swimming in summer's bounty.

1½ large English or Persian cucumbers, finely diced
1 large tomato, finely diced
½ small red onion, finely diced
2 Tbsp. fresh mint, chopped or 2 tsp. dried mint
2 Tbsp. lime juice, freshly squeezed (from 1 lime)
¼ tsp. sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground

In a medium bowl, mix finely diced cucumbers, tomato, and onions.

Add the chopped fresh mint, lime juice, kosher or sea salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.

Taste and adjust kosher or sea salt, pepper, and lime juice as desired.

For best flavour, let the salad rest, covered and refrigerated, for 1-2 hours for the flavours to develop before serving.

Makes 3 cups or 6 servings.

Cook's Notes: If English or Persian cucumbers are not available, you may want to peel and seed your cucumbers before dicing for the salad.