Kachumber Salad: an Easy Zesty Side Dish for Many Recipes

Kachumber Salad is a traditional Indian salad that adds a refreshing and tangy element to any spiced Indian dish. 

A Kachumber salad is a medley of fresh vegetables, including crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, onions, and aromatic coriander, all tossed in a delightful dressing that combines tangy lemon juice and fragrant spices.

It very much compliments Butter Chicken as the vibrant salad provides a burst of freshness with every bite.

Kachumber Salad is a traditional Indian side dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The word “kachumber” is derived from the Hindi word “kachumbar,” which means “to taste.” It is a classic accompaniment to many Indian meals and is known for its refreshing and tangy flavours. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of India, where it was primarily prepared with locally available ingredients.

Why You Should Make Kachumber Salad

Very simple and easy to prepare

Adds a punch of freshness to any dish

It’s a very healthy side dish with no oil added

Variations

There are a number of ways you can switch up this recipe according to your tastes. Here are some ideas to try! 

• This recipe uses cucumber, tomato and red onion, but you could use other vegetables such as peppers, radishes, grated carrot or shredded cabbage. Pomegranate seeds would also add colour and a burst of flavour.
  
• You could experiment with different fresh herbs. Chopped mint would make a great addition. 
  
• Try it with lime juice instead of lemon.
  
• Sprinkle some seeds over the salad for added nutrients. Try sesame or poppy seeds.
  
• Add some yoghurt to make it into a raita – great with spicy dishes! 
  

Serve With…

Kachumber Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses and complements various cuisines:

Indian cuisine: It goes beautifully with rich and flavourful curries like Butter Chicken, chicken tikka masala, or vegetable biryani. Serve it alongside dishes such as dhal, aloo gobi, chicken tikka or any other Indian meal.

Middle Eastern cuisine: The Kachumber salad crispness and zesty dressing complement the warm and aromatic flavours of Middle Eastern spices.It can be served alongside dishes like Shawarma, Falafel, lamb koftas or Grilled Kebabs. 

Mexican cuisine: It also makes a great match for Mexican dishes. Try serving it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas. 

It is also great with any bread-based meals – Use Kachumber Salad as a filling or topping for sandwiches, wraps, homemade burgers or pita pockets. 

Pro Tip

Do not leave your Kachumber Salad out too long or it will lose its freshness. 

Kachumber Salad – Ingredients

½ red onion, sliced finely

½ cucumber, deseeded and chopped into small chunks

3 tomatoes, chopped into small chunks

Juice of half a lemon

½ tsp chilli flakes

¼ tsp cumin

¼ tsp ground coriander

1 handful finely chopped fresh coriander

Salt and pepper

Step by Step 

• Finely slice the red onion. 
  
• Deseed the cucumber and chop into small pieces. 
  
• Roughly chop the tomatoes into chunks.
  
• Mix the onion, tomato and cucumber in a bowl and add the lemon juice, chilli flakes cumin, ground coriander, fresh coriander. 
  
• Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.