Easy Kachumber Salad Recipe – Fresh Indian Chopped Salad in 10 Minutes
Introduction of Recipe
If you love fresh, crunchy salads packed with bright flavors, this Kachumber Salad Recipe is going to become your new favorite side dish. Simple, vibrant, and incredibly refreshing, Kachumber is a classic Indian chopped salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, herbs, and lemon juice.
This easy Kachumber salad is especially popular in Indian households because it balances rich, spicy dishes perfectly. The cool crunch of cucumber and the acidity from lemon juice provide a refreshing contrast to curries, grilled meats, and rice dishes.
Pinterest home cooks in the USA are loving globally inspired recipes that are:
-
Quick to prepare
-
Made with fresh ingredients
-
Naturally healthy
-
Full of flavor without heavy dressings
That’s exactly what this traditional Indian Kachumber salad delivers. It’s ready in just 10 minutes and instantly elevates any meal.
3. History / Background
Kachumber (sometimes spelled Kachoomar) comes from the Indian subcontinent and is widely served across India, Pakistan, and neighboring regions. The word “Kachumber” literally refers to a mixture of finely chopped raw vegetables.
Unlike Western salads that often use creamy dressings, Kachumber relies on simple seasoning — salt, lemon juice, and sometimes chaat masala — to highlight the natural flavor of fresh vegetables.
In Indian cuisine, Kachumber is often served alongside rich dishes like biryani, kebabs, and curries. It acts as a palate cleanser and digestive aid due to its raw vegetable content and acidity.
The beauty of this authentic Kachumber salad recipe lies in its simplicity. It reflects the Indian culinary philosophy of balancing flavors — spicy, tangy, fresh, and savory — within a single meal.
Today, this refreshing chopped salad has gained popularity globally as more home cooks embrace fresh, plant-based, whole-food dishes.
4. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Kachumber Salad Recipe is simple but powerful. It’s crunchy, juicy, slightly tangy, and incredibly refreshing.
If you enjoy fresh salads that don’t require heavy dressings or complicated steps, this one is perfect.
You’ll love this recipe because:
-
✅ Ready in 10 minutes
-
✅ No cooking required
-
✅ Naturally vegan & gluten-free
-
✅ Budget-friendly ingredients
-
✅ Pairs with almost any main dish
-
✅ Helps balance spicy meals
-
✅ Light, healthy, and refreshing
-
✅ Great for summer meals
It’s one of those recipes you can make anytime without planning ahead.
5. Ingredient Notes
This salad is all about fresh, crisp vegetables.
Cucumber
Provides crunch and hydration.
English or Persian cucumbers work best.
If using regular cucumber, remove seeds if watery.
Tomatoes
Add sweetness and juiciness.
Use ripe but firm tomatoes to prevent sogginess.
Red Onion
Adds sharp bite and texture.
Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor if desired.
Fresh Cilantro (Coriander)
Adds brightness and authentic Indian flavor.
Substitute with parsley if needed.
Green Chili (Optional)
Adds mild heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
Lemon or Lime Juice
Provides acidity and freshness.
Salt
Enhances natural flavors.
Optional: Chaat Masala
A tangy Indian spice blend that adds authentic street-food flavor.
6. Equipment Needed
You only need basic kitchen tools:
-
Sharp knife
-
Cutting board
-
Mixing bowl
-
Measuring spoons
-
Spoon for mixing
No cooking equipment required.
Print
Kachumber Salad Recipe
This easy Kachumber Salad Recipe is a fresh Indian chopped salad made with cucumber, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lemon juice. It’s light, healthy, and the perfect side dish for curries, biryani, and grilled meats.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 large cucumber, finely diced
2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 small green chili, finely chopped (optional)
1/4 teaspoon chaat masala (optional)
Instructions
-
Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
-
Finely dice the cucumber and tomatoes into small, even pieces.
-
Finely chop the red onion and green chili (if using).
-
Add all vegetables to a mixing bowl.
-
Sprinkle salt and chaat masala over the mixture.
-
Add lemon or lime juice.
-
Toss gently until well combined.
-
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
-
Cut vegetables evenly for best texture.
-
Add salt just before serving to prevent excess moisture.
-
Adjust spice level to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180g
- Fat: 0.5
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Tips & Variations
Want to customize this easy Indian chopped salad?
Make It Spicier
Add extra green chili or a pinch of red chili powder.
Add Crunch
Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or radishes.
Add Creaminess
Stir in a spoonful of yogurt for a raita-style twist.
Add Protein
Top with chickpeas for a heartier version.
Make It Fusion
Add avocado or feta for a modern twist.
10. Pro Chef Tips
-
Dice vegetables small and evenly. Traditional Kachumber is finely chopped.
-
Salt at the last minute. Salt draws moisture from tomatoes.
-
Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice lacks brightness.
-
Balance acidity carefully. Start light and adjust gradually.
-
Chill briefly before serving. 10 minutes enhances flavor without making it watery.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Cutting vegetables too large → Affects texture.
-
Adding salt too early → Makes salad watery.
-
Overmixing → Breaks down tomatoes.
-
Using unripe tomatoes → Less flavor.
-
Skipping acidity → Lemon juice is essential.
12. Storage & Meal Prep
Kachumber is best eaten fresh.
-
Store in an airtight container.
-
Best consumed within 24 hours.
-
Stir before serving if liquid collects at bottom.
No reheating required.
13. Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
Can it be made ahead?
You can chop vegetables ahead and store separately. Mix just before serving.
Freezer-friendly?
No. Fresh vegetables lose texture when frozen.
Best serving method
Serve immediately or within a few hours of preparation.
14. Serving Suggestions
This Kachumber Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with:
-
Chicken tikka
-
Biryani
-
Grilled kebabs
-
Dal and rice
-
Flatbreads like naan or roti
It’s also excellent alongside grilled vegetables or BBQ meats for a fusion meal.
15. FAQs Section
1. Is Kachumber salad healthy?
Yes! It’s low-calorie, high-fiber, and full of fresh vegetables.
2. Can I make it without onions?
Yes, simply omit or substitute with shallots.
3. What does chaat masala taste like?
Tangy, slightly spicy, and savory.
4. How long does Kachumber last?
Best eaten within 1 day.
5. Can I add olive oil?
Traditional recipes don’t include oil, but you may add a drizzle.
6. Is it similar to pico de gallo?
Yes, both are fresh chopped salads, but spices differ.
16. Conclusion
This Kachumber Salad Recipe is fresh, simple, and bursting with flavor. It’s proof that a few crisp vegetables and a squeeze of lemon can completely transform a meal.
If you try this easy Kachumber salad, leave a comment and share how you served it! Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again and again.
Pinterest Optimization
17. Pinterest Pin Titles
-
Easy Kachumber Salad (Fresh Indian Side Dish)
-
10-Minute Indian Chopped Salad
-
Healthy Kachumber Salad Recipe
-
Fresh Indian Cucumber Tomato Salad
-
Vegan Indian Salad for Summer
18. Pinterest Pin Descriptions
-
This easy Kachumber Salad Recipe is fresh, healthy, and ready in 10 minutes! Perfect with curries and BBQ meals.
-
Looking for a refreshing Indian side dish? Try this traditional Kachumber salad today!
-
Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon — the ultimate healthy chopped salad.
-
A simple vegan Indian salad that pairs perfectly with biryani and grilled meats.
-
Light, fresh, and bursting with flavor — save this easy Kachumber recipe now!
19. Pinterest Hashtags
#KachumberSalad
#IndianRecipes
#HealthySalad
#VeganRecipes
#SummerSalad
#QuickRecipes
#FreshFood
#HomeCooking
#GlutenFree
#MediterraneanInspired
#CleanEating
#VegetarianMeals
#SimpleRecipes
AI Image Generation Prompts
1. Ingredient Prep Shot
Overhead flat lay of chopped cucumber, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lemon halves, green chili on wooden cutting board. Bright natural light, Pinterest-style clean aesthetic, vibrant colors, fresh and summery mood.
2. Fine Chopping Close-Up
Close-up angle of knife finely dicing cucumber and tomatoes on rustic cutting board, soft window light, shallow depth of field, cozy home kitchen atmosphere.
3. Mixing Bowl Shot
Side angle of vegetables being tossed in a glass bowl, natural light streaming in, linen napkin nearby, fresh herbs scattered, inviting family kitchen vibe.
4. Final Styled Dish
Overhead Pinterest-style image of Kachumber Salad served in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with cilantro, lemon wedge on side, rustic wooden table, bright airy lighting, fresh and vibrant mood.
5. Indian Dinner Table Scene
Kachumber served alongside biryani and grilled kebabs on a dining table, warm golden lighting, cozy family dinner setting, authentic and inviting presentation.
