Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsChai BarPersian Style Salad Recipe

Persian Style Salad Recipe

Inspired by Chai Bar
Time20m
Serves4

Cucumber, tomato, onion, dry mint, olive oil and lemon juice

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Salad

Method

Salad

  1. 1

    Prepare vegetables

    Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes. Trim the ends. If cucumbers are large or waxed, peel them halfway or fully; otherwise leave the skin for texture. Cut cucumbers into 1/4-inch (6 mm) half-moons. Core the tomatoes and cut into roughly 1/2-inch (1 cm) dice. Place chopped cucumber and tomato in a large mixing bowl.

  2. 2

    Prepare onion

    Peel and halve the red onion. Slice thinly into half-moons, then separate the rings. If onion flavor is strong, rinse the sliced onion briefly under cold water and drain well, or soak in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly. Add the drained onion to the bowl with cucumber and tomato.

  3. 3

    Add optional garnish

    Chop parsley finely if using and add to the bowl. Toss the vegetables gently to combine and create even distribution for dressing.

Dressing & Seasoning

  1. 4

    Make the dressing

    In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried mint, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the oil and lemon juice emulsify and the dried mint is evenly dispersed.

  2. 5

    Taste and adjust

    Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed — add a little more salt or lemon juice for brightness, or a pinch more sugar if too tart. The dried mint should be fragrant; if it seems flat, let the dressing sit 5 minutes to hydrate the mint and re-taste.

  3. 6

    Dress the salad

    Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables. Using salad servers or two large spoons, toss gently but thoroughly so cucumber, tomato and onion are coated. Taste and adjust final seasoning with a pinch more salt or lemon if desired.

  4. 7

    Serve

    Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Let the salad sit 5–10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately. This salad keeps 1 day refrigerated; if refrigerating, stir again before serving as liquid may collect at the bottom.

More from Chai Bar