The Indian cucumber tomato yogurt salad recipe is bursting with onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green chilies.
It is a plain raita recipe for biryani that has so many variations. You can make this tomato cucumber yogurt salad sweet, spicy, or savory based on your requirements.
This freshening and revitalizing Indian cucumber salad with yogurt can be served with spicy Pakistani and Indian dishes to help balance out all the hotness and spice. It will permit you to keep eating your favorite food.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Yogurt Salad Indian Recipe?
The Indian cucumber yogurt salad is a simple yet fresh delight, often found nestled beside spicy grilled meats or acting as a cooling counterpoint to heady Indian curries.
Its roots trace back to the kitchens of my Amma and the cherished recipes of my Husband’s dad, making it a favourite in our family meals.
This salad is strikingly easy to throw together, a staple feature in various cooking magazines.
The blend of cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, lemon juice, jalapeno, and herbs creates a yummy base, enriched with thick, plain yogurt.
It’s a basic yet delicious addition to any table, ideal for pairing with everything from Juicy Beef Kofta to biryani.
Whether it’s a lunch setting with pita or as one of the favorite accompaniments to Indian or Middle Eastern food, this salad is a versatile, easy-to-love dish.
How To Make Yogurt Cucumber Salad Indian: An Easy Guide
Creating Indian cucumber tomato yogurt salad is both easy and delicious. This refreshing and flavorful side dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and taste.
1. Prepping The Ingredients
Chop your veggies: a 9-inch piece of cucumber, a pint of cherry tomatoes (halved), ⅓ cup of red onion, and half a jalapeño (for a bit of heat). Mince a large clove of garlic and about 2 tablespoons each of herbs like mint and cilantro for that burst of flavor.
2. Combining Your Salad
In a large bowl, mix and toss the chopped veggies with garlic, mint, and cilantro. Add yogurt and season: blend in either plain or Greek yogurt, then salt to taste.
3. Make Ahead And Storage
Planning and storing this yogurt salad Indian is a breeze.
- Prep in Advance: Store chopped veggies in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Herbs: Mince just before serving to preserve freshness.
- Combining with yogurt an hour before serving helps maintain texture.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in the refrigerator. Best Consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture and quality of the salad.
Indian Cucumber Tomato Yogurt Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups thick yogurt
- 2 cucumbers, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, take yogurt, green chili, chili powder, salt, cumin powder, and whisk them until smooth. Then add all vegetables and combine well. Sprinkle some cumin powder on top and refrigerate it before serving.
- Serve with pulao, biryani, or paratha.
Variations And Substitutions For Indian Cucumber Salad Yogurt
In the realm of salad making, the Indian cucumber tomato yogurt salad is a canvas for creativity.
Let’s tweak this classic with some ideas that bring new flavors to your plate.
- For a thicker version, swap the regular yogurt with Greek Yogurt. This not only changes the texture but also adds a rich, creamy touch.
- Spices can transform this salad in subtle yet significant ways. A teaspoon of cumin powder or toasted cumin seeds, lightly browned in a dry skillet, can add a warm, earthy aroma. Don’t forget a dash of black pepper for that extra kick. For those who enjoy a bit of sharpness, Fresh ginger is a welcome addition, offering a zesty tang.
- A splash of lime juice can introduce an extra zest, complementing the creamy yogurt. When it comes to other herbs, especially if you’re leaning towards greek food, you might want to swap out cilantro for minced fresh dill or parsley, each bringing its unique flavor to the table.
- And why stop there? Other veggies like chopped bell peppers or grated carrots can add color, crunch, and nutrition, making this salad not just a side dish but a standout on its own.
How To Serve This Cucumber Yogurt Indian Salad?
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
- As A Side: Serve it alongside grilled tandoori chicken, rich curries, biryanis, or pulaos for a refreshing balance.
- Wrap It Up: Spoon the salad into a wrap with pita bread, filled with chicken or falafel.
- As A Dip: For an indulgent treat, enjoy it as a dip with warm butter garlic naan, keema naan, or aloo naan. Each bite offers a delightful contrast to these hearty main courses.
FAQs About Indian Cucumber Yogurt Salad
1. Can I Use Low-Fat Yogurt Instead Of Full-Fat?
Absolutely! Using low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat offers a lighter version of the salad. While it may slightly alter the creaminess and flavor, it’s a great option for those seeking a healthier variant.
2. Is This Indian Cucumber Salad With Yogurt Vegan-Friendly?
To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. These alternatives keep the salad fresh and delightful while adhering to vegan dietary preferences.
3. How Long Does This Indian Cucumber Tomato Yogurt Salad Last In The Fridge?
In terms of storage duration, this salad remains fresh in the fridge for about 1-2 days when kept in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within this time frame to savor its full flavor and texture.
4. Can I Freeze The Cucumber Yogurt Salad?
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The process can adversely affect the texture and quality of the ingredients, especially yogurt and cucumber, leading to a less appealing dish.
5. What Are Some Good Protein Pairings With This Salad?
For a protein boost, grilled chicken, lamb, or fish are excellent choices. For a vegetarian option, grilled paneer or tofu complement the salad’s flavors perfectly.
6. Are There Any Other Herbs I Can Use?
Absolutely! For herb variations, try adding basil or dill to give a unique flavor twist to the salad, alongside the traditional mint and cilantro.
7. What’s The Difference Between A Cucumber Yogurt Salad And A Cucumber Raita Recipe?
A cucumber yogurt salad typically has larger, defined pieces of cucumber and other vegetables, with herbs adding freshness and crunch. The yogurt acts more as a dressing to bind the salad. Raita, on the other hand, is an indian yogurt sauce with a thinner consistency where cucumber is not the star ingredient but is finely chopped or grated and mixed with the yogurt to create a smoother, more seasoned sauce.
8. Is Yogurt With Cucumber Good For Diet?
Yogurt and cucumber are excellent for weight loss, being low in calories. A calorie deficit is key to lose weight, and a cup of plain, nonfat yogurt has just about 100 calories, while a sliced cucumber contains only about 16 calories.
9. What Are The Health Benefits Of Indian Cucumber Onion Yogurt Salad?
Known as Cucumber raita in some cuisines, this salad can help prevent constipation due to its water and dietary fibre content. It’s a natural source of magnesium and fibre, and the potassium in cucumbers helps keep blood pressure in check. To prepare, simply mix the ingredients in a bowl for about a half hour before adding yogurt, cumin, and pepper.
