Easy Refreshing Tantalizing Kachumber Salad

Our easy refreshing Kachumber Salad recipe is an Indian Salad recipe you need to try. Kachumber will become your go-to salad when you are yearning for something uncomplicated, fresh and speedy but still exploding with flavors. Simple ingredients, easy recipe and a quick side to accompany any meal, let's dive in.

It's definitely a summer staple in every Indian household, but it doesn't stop us from consuming it all through out the year.

Inspired by Logan Moffitt's Viral Cucumber Salad I couldn't think of a better way to eat an entire cucumber, but using a whole cucumber to make my favorite Cucumber Salad, the Indian Kachumber. Although it pairs well with any meal, I think it pairs the best with Dal Chawal.

Jump to:

• What is Kachumber?
• The Origin of Kachumber
• Ingredients to make a really good Kachumber Salad
• How to Make Easy Kachumber Salad
• Is this allergy friendly?
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing and Preserving Kachumber
• Kachumber in Modern Cuisine
• Top Tip
• FAQ
• Fun Fact
• Your experiences
• Related
• Pairing
• Kachumber Salad Recipe

The Origin of Kachumber

Kachumber has its roots in North Indian cuisine, but its popularity has spread throughout the subcontinent and beyond. The word "kachumber" is believed to be derived from the Hindi word "kachmar," meaning to crush or pound, referring to the chopping technique used to prepare the vegetables.

Traditionally, kachumber was made by finely chopping vegetables and mixing them with spices, creating a quick and easy side dish that complemented heavier main courses. Over time, it has evolved into various regional variations, each with its unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients to make a really good Kachumber Salad

To make an authentic kachumber salad, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Cucumbers
• Green chilies
• Fresh coriander (cilantro)
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper (optional)
• Cumin powder (optional)

The beauty of kachumber lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can easily adjust the quantities and proportions of ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

See recipe card below for quantities.

How to Make Easy Kachumber Salad

1. Gather the ingredients, wash and chop the cucumber, onion, tomatoes, green chili and cilantro.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables and herbs.Add lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cumin powder.
3. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Hint: For best flavors, make the kachumber 10-20 minutes before consuming to allow the flavors to meld, however that is not mandatory. Make it ahead of time only if you have the time.

Is this allergy friendly?

Kachumber in itself is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free & oil-free. This is a perfect salad to serve guests if they have a dietary restriction.

Variations

While the classic kachumber recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it:

• Protein-Packed Kachumber: Add chickpeas, roasted peanuts, sprouts, or diced paneer for extra protein.
• Fruity Twist: Include diced mangoes, apple, pineapple or pomegranate seeds for a sweet-tangy flavor.
• Grainy Goodness: Mix in cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat for a heartier salad.
• Avocado Kachumber: Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
• Spicy Kachumber: Increase the number of green chilies or add red chili flakes for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions

Kachumber is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a side dish with Indian curries and rice
• Alongside grilled veggies or kebabs
• In wraps or sandwiches
• As a topping for papadams, toatadas, tacos or nachos
• Mixed with yogurt to create a refreshing raita to serve with Biryanis.

Storing and Preserving Kachumber

To keep Kachumber fresh:

1. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Consume within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture.
3. If you're meal prepping, add salt & lemon juice just a an hour before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Kachumber in Modern Cuisine

Kachumber has found its way into modern fusion cuisine, inspiring chefs to create innovative dishes:

• Kachumber-inspired salsa for chips or I personally enjoy it on tostadas and papadums.
• Kachumber bruschetta as an appetizer
• Kachumber-topped mexican pizzas for a fresh twist
• Kachumber slaw for burgers and sandwiches

These creative adaptations show the versatility of this simple Indian salad and its ability to complement various cuisines.

FAQ

Fun Fact

Did you know the Indian Kachumber is the cousin of the Persian Shirazi Salad, except for the addition of Mint. It is also the cousin of Israeli salad, except for the addition of parsley.

Your experiences

We'd love to hear about your kachumber experiences! Have you tried making this salad at home? What's your favorite way to serve it? Share your thoughts and recipes in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes from around the world.

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with :

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