🥒 How to Make Indian Kachumber Salad

A Crisp & Cool Sidekick for Your Curry

If you're looking to freshen up your plate with something crunchy, zesty, and full of vibrant flavour, look no further than Kachumber Salad. This classic Indian side is the perfect contrast to warm, spiced dishes—simple to whip up, packed with nutrition, and endlessly customisable.

Let’s dive into the what, why, and how of this beloved chopped salad.

🌿 What is Kachumber?

Kachumber (pronounced kuh-choom-burr) is India’s version of a chopped salad—typically made with cucumber, tomato, and onion, and dressed with lemon juice, salt, and sometimes a sprinkle of chaat masala. It's fresh, tangy, and cooling—everything a spicy meal needs.

Think of it as the Indian cousin of salsa or pico de gallo, but with a citrusy, herby twist.

🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

The beauty of Kachumber is in its simplicity. Here’s a basic version to get you started:

Base:

• 1 medium cucumber, diced (peel if waxy)

• 2 small tomatoes, diced

• ½ red onion, finely chopped

Dressing:

• Juice of ½ a lemon (or lime)

• Salt to taste

• ¼ tsp chaat masala (optional, but highly recommended)

• A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (if you like heat)

• A handful of chopped fresh coriander (coriander haters, feel free to skip)

• Grated carrot or radish for crunch

• Pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness

• A drizzle of mustard oil for that authentic street-food flair

🥄 How to Make It

1. Chop your veg: Dice cucumber, tomato, and onion into small, even cubes. The smaller the chop, the more mingling of flavour you'll get in every bite.

2. Mix it up: Add all the chopped vegetables to a mixing bowl.

3. Season & dress: Squeeze over the lemon juice, sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and chaat masala. If you’re using green chilli or coriander, toss that in too.

4. Let it sit (just a little): Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so the flavours meld. But not too long—you want it fresh and crisp!

5. Serve: Serve cold or at room temperature alongside your curry, dal, roti, or even grilled meats. It also makes a great taco topping or fresh side for BBQs.

🍽️ What to Eat Kachumber With

Kachumber is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:

• Butter chicken or tikka masala

• Aloo paratha or any flatbread

• Dal and rice

• Grilled paneer skewers or tandoori meat

• As a topping on wraps, tacos or burgers

💡 Tips & Variations

• No tomato? Try finely diced red capsicum or grated beetroot for colour.

• Make it creamy: Add a spoonful of yoghurt and call it a raita-style salad.

• Go fruity: Add diced mango or apple for a sweet twist.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Indian Kachumber Salad is proof that the simplest dishes can often be the most satisfying. It’s crunchy, tangy, and vibrant—and adds a lovely brightness to any meal. Best of all? It takes less than 10 minutes to make.

Try it once and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.