Kachumber, a traditional Indian cucumber salad, has become a popular side dish worldwide and is an excellent option for those looking for a fresh and healthy way to add some flavor to their meal. This simple salad is made with fresh vegetables and herbs, typically including cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Kachumber is not only a great accompaniment to many Indian dishes, but it can be used as a topping for tacos or sandwiches or even as a unique salsa.
Kachumber or cachumber is a simple Indian-style salad or relish. It is typically made with red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sometimes other vegetables such as radishes or bell peppers. The vegetables are mixed together with salt, red chili powder, and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Kachumber is often served as a side dish or condiment with Indian meals, particularly with spicy dishes like curries, biryanis, and kebabs. It is a refreshing and healthy way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your meal.
This refreshing and lightly flavored salad is incredibly simple to prepare. With cucumber as the star ingredient, it offers a cooling effect that perfectly complements spicy Indian cuisine. The vibrant, crunchy medley of vegetables is widely adored and frequently appears on the menus of Indian restaurants, often accompanied by papadums.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Balanced flavor: This kachumber salad recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors, with neither one ingredient overpowering the others. The seasoning complements the fresh vegetables, creating a harmonious taste.
- Texture: I am sharing useful tips on how to maintain the crunchy texture of the vegetables while adding some softness to them from the dressing.
- Simplicity: It is easy to prepare and requires only a few ingredients, while still being flavorful and healthy.
- Healthy: This is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Versatile: This salad pairs well with a variety of Indian dishes making it a popular side dish or accompaniment. It can also be served alongside chips or nachos, making it a perfect addition to summer parties and barbecues. Moreover, this salad can be used to add a burst of flavor to burgers, burrito bowls, and wraps, making it a versatile ingredient for any meal.
This cucumber salad recipe is effortless to prepare and is suitable for those following a vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free diet. It requires no cooking and involves simply chopping the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, seasoning them, and serving. It can be ready in under 10 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option. For optimal results, I typically use a ratio of 2 parts cucumber to 1 part tomato and half part red onion as a general guideline.
Previously, I provided a recipe for the versatile vegetable raita that doubles as an excellent dip or side dish. Today, I'm excited to share my recipe for an invigorating Indian summer salad. Keep reading for a list of ingredients, helpful tips, and suggested variations to create this straightforward yet revitalizing cucumber salad. Furthermore, don't miss out on the chance to try out my peanut cucumber salad recipe for an equally refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Cucumber: Cucumber is the main ingredient of this fresh salad.
Tomato: Use ripe but firm tomatoes.
Onion: Red onion must be used for this salad.
Dressing: This salad dressing is made without oil and uses lime juice, salt, and chili powder.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Peel the cucumber. Deseed the tomatoes. Chop the cucumber, tomato, and onion into even-sized pieces and transfer them into a bowl. Roughly chop the cilantro (coriander leaves) and add it to the bowl. Squeeze in lime/lemon juice.
Step 2: Top with salt and chili powder. Mix well and serve.
Useful tips
An authentic Indian kachumber will have the cucumbers peeled as the Indian variety of cucumbers has a thick and prickly skin. However, you may choose to skip this step.
As a general guide, use 2 parts of cucumber with 1 part of tomato and half part of red onion. In this recipe, I have used 2 cups of cucumber, 1 cup of tomatoes, and ½ cup of red onion. Adjust as per your preference. However, keep onions less as more onions may overpower the salad.
Use ripe but firm tomatoes as overripe tomatoes will make salad mushy. Also, deseed the tomatoes so that it does not release excessive moisture.
Deseeding the tomatoes and cucumber help in keeping the salad crunchy.
It is important to cut even bite-sized pieces of all veggies.
If you want to make it ahead, you can keep all the chopped vegetables ready and place them in the refrigerator. Add the dressing ingredients just before serving.
More salad recipes:
- Cabbage salad.
- Indian chickpea salad.
- Brussels sprouts slaw.
- Carrot and lentil salad.
- Grilled paneer salad.
- Spicy crab salad.
Variations
Mint leaves add a nice freshness to the salad and can be used along with cilantro.
Both lime and lemon juice works for the dressing. You can also use a small amount of vinegar instead of lime/lemon juice.
Kala namak can also be added to the dressing. Also called Himalayan black salt or Indian black salt, it has a pungent and sharp taste.
Other spices like chaat masala and roasted ground cumin can also be added to the dressing.
Spice up the salad by adding deseeded green chili, serrano pepper, or jalapeno. If you do not have access to chili powder, replace it with cayenne or black pepper.
Other vegetables like radishes, bell pepper, or carrot can also be added. Make sure to cut them into small bite-sized pieces.
Add some garlic peanuts for a delicious crunch to this salad.
FAQs
An authentic Indian kachumber will have the cucumbers peeled as the Indian variety of cucumbers has a thick and prickly skin. However, you may choose to skip this step.
This salad pairs very well as a side with Indian food. It can also be used in burgers, burrito bowls, and wraps. They are also great for summer parties and barbecues.
Yes. This will help in keeping the salad crunchy for longer.
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Recipe card
Kachumber (Authentic Indian Cucumber Salad)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber (2-3 medium)
- 1 cup tomatoes (1-2 medium)
- ½ cup red onion (½-1 small)
- ¼ cup cilantro (coriander leaves)
- ¼-½ teaspoon salt or as per taste
- ¼-½ teaspoon chili powder or as per taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber, tomato, and onions. Pat dry using a kitchen towel.
- Peel the cucumber. Deseed the tomatoes.
- Chop the cucumber, tomato, and onion into even-sized pieces and transfer them into a bowl.
- Roughly chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl.
- Squeeze in lime/lemon juice.
- Top with salt and chili powder. Mix well and serve.
Stephanie says
This recipe is going to be a repeat for us all summer long!! Delicious
Andrea says
Love how refreshing this salad is! So nutritious and delicious!
Shelby says
This was one of m "I have to have" when pregnant with my first and I still love it! Such a great barbeque side dish!
Jennifer says
This was so simple but so good! The citrus really added so much and everybody wanted seconds!
Gen says
I’ve been looking for a new summer salad and this is definitely it! I love how light, tasty, and easy it is. Thank you!
Liz says
This is such a great summer salad! It's nice and refreshing on hot days and a great way to get in some veggies!
Allyssa says
Highly recommended! Super loved this very helpful recipe! Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make kachumber recipe! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again!