*Sponsored post featuring the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener*

Craving something fresh and light? Then my Shirazi Salad – Authentic Persian Recipe with 3 dressing options is just what you need. This traditional Iranian salad wins you over with its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and a flavor that instantly reminds you of warm summer days.

But let’s be honest: have you ever tried dicing tomatoes with a dull knife? Instead of neat little cubes, you end up with squashed pieces and tomato juice all over your cutting board. It doesn’t just ruin the look of your salad – it changes the taste, too. Here’s the secret: the magic is in the details. The finer and more evenly you chop, the more beautifully the salad comes together.

Since I started using my Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener*, this has completely changed. My knife glides effortlessly through cucumbers, tomatoes hold their perfect shape, and even onions are easy to chop without tears. Cooking feels almost like meditation – and the salad not only looks stunning, it tastes so much better, too.

A QUICK LOOK INTO SHIRAZI SALAD’S HISTORY

Shirazi Salad, also called Salad Shirazi, is more than just a salad – it carries a rich history in Persian cuisine. It originally comes from Shiraz in Iran’s Fars province. In many regions it’s known as Salad Abghoore’i, because the dressing traditionally uses verjus (the sour juice of unripe grapes).

In East and West Azerbaijan provinces, people call it Soldier’s Salad (Salad-e Sarbazi). Why? Because it only takes tomato, cucumber, and onion – quick and easy to prepare, even for soldiers. Today, Shirazi Salad is internationally loved and often served as a refreshing side dish to most Persian meals.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAKE SHIRAZI SALAD

Like all traditional recipes, there’s not just one way to make Shirazi Salad. Every family has their own version. Here are the three most popular – plus my personal favorite.

CLASSIC (SHIRAZI) with Verjuice and Dried Mint

Traditionally, Shirazi Salad is made with verjuice/verjus (Ab-Gooreh) – sour grape juice. It gives the salad a gentle acidity, less sharp than lemon but more complex than lime. Dried mint adds a slightly earthy, herbal touch that instantly reminds you of Persian home cooking.

MODERN – Fresh with Lime Juice

Many modern recipes use lime juice. It’s refreshing, citrusy, and perfect for summer. This version feels a little lighter and is very popular in restaurants or food blogs. Some cooks even add bell peppers, pomegranate seeds, parsley, cilantro, or scallions – not traditional, but delicious.

MY FAVORITE – with Lemon Juice

Personally, I love lemon juice in my Shirazi Salad. It’s more intense than lime, brighter than verjus, and really brings out the flavors of cucumber and tomato. Plus, lemons are easy to find in any kitchen. Simple, practical, and full of flavor.

Each option has its charm – it’s really up to your taste (and what you have in your fridge).

KNIFE SHARPENING MADE EASY WITH TORMEK T-1

For years, I tried to sharpen my knives with a honing steel. Let’s just say – the results were never great. Sometimes sharp, often not. Since switching to the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener* in Ash Green, the difference is night and day. It’s not just a gadget – it’s a game-changer for home cooks.

Here’s why it stands out:

• Perfect sharpening angle – no guessing, just precise edges every time.
• Diamond sharpening wheel – creates a professional, fine edge.
• Polishing wheel – removes burrs and makes knives razor-sharp.
• Gentle on knives – minimal steel removal, so your blades last longer.
• Quiet operation – only 45 dB, barely louder than your fridge.
• Premium design – powder-coated zinc body with a solid oak handle.
• 8-year warranty – 5 years plus 3 extra with online registration (home use only).

Now, I sharpen my knives before I make Shirazi Salad – and honestly, chopping cucumbers and tomatoes has never been this satisfying.

KNIFE-SHARP IN JUST 3 STEPS

Sharpening with the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener* is super easy – here’s how:

• Set the angle – adjust the angle for your knife. The blade will be sharpened evenly and precisely.
• Sharpen both sides – run the knife through the diamond wheel on both sides. Works for stainless steel, hard steel, even ceramic knives.
• Polish – finish on the honing wheel. This removes tiny burrs and leaves your blade razor-sharp.

The moment you dice your first tomato, you’ll feel the difference: perfect cubes, no mess.

GIFT IDEA FOR FOOD LOVERS

If you know a foodie, cooking enthusiast, hobby chef, or knife lover, your gift search is over. The Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener* is the perfect present – no skills required, just professional sharpness at home. Imagine their joy when every cut feels effortless. A gift that truly lasts.

INGREDIENTS SHIRZAI SALAD WITH 3 DRESSING OPTIONS

4 ripe tomatoes

4 small cucumbers (or 2 large, seeds removed)

1 red onion

Fresh herbs like mint or parsley (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

INGREDIENTS CLASSIC (SHIRAZI) DRESSING

2–3 tbsp verjus* (Ab-Gooreh)

1 tsp dried mint*

INGREDIENTS MODERN DRESSING

Juice of 1 lime

2 tbsp olive oil* (optional)

INGREDIENTS MY FAVORITE DRESSING

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp olive oil*

PREPARATION SHIRAZI SALAD

Prep the cucumbers: Wash, dry, halve, and (if large) scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

Dice: Cut cucumber, tomatoes, and onion into small, even cubes.

Make the dressing: Mix your chosen dressing in a small bowl.

Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetables, season with salt and pepper.

Add herbs (optional): Chop fresh mint or parsley and stir in for extra freshness.

Let it rest: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour – the flavors develop beautifully.

Shirazi Salad is the perfect side dish to grilled meats, stews, rice dishes, or simply on its own. Try all three dressings and discover your favorite version!

BEFARMAYID!

Susan

The items marked with * are affiliate links, referral links. If you buy through this link, I get a small commission. The price stays the same for you and you can easily support my efforts. A big thank you ♥

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Have you cooked this or maybe another delicious recipe of mine? Feel free to leave me a comment below. If you tag your picture on Instagram with @labsalliebe  and use the hashtag #labsalliebe, I won’t miss a post and will be happy to leave you a comment as well. Can’t wait to see your creations.

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