Kachumber
A fresh Indian salad made with chopped cucumber, onion, and tomato, tossed with lemon juice and simple spices. It brings crunch, brightness, and a cooling balance to rich curries, biryani, or grilled foods.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Chop the vegetables.
1.Peel the cucumber if the skin is thick, then finely chop it.2.Deseed the tomato and finely chop it to keep the salad less watery.3.Finely chop the onion, green chili, and cilantro. - mix · ~3 min
Mix the kachumber.
1.Add the cucumber, tomato, onion, green chili, and cilantro to a bowl.2.Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and roasted cumin powder.3.Pour over the lemon juice and toss well until everything is evenly coated.TIPDeseeding the tomato keeps the salad crisp instead of watery. - rest · ~5 min
Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- serve
Serve fresh.
Serve the kachumber right away as a side with Indian mains, rice dishes, or grilled foods.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Deseed the tomatoes thoroughly and drain any pooled juice before mixing so the kachumber stays crisp.
- 2Salt and lemon draw water out quickly, so toss the salad only 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
- 3If your onion tastes too sharp, rinse the chopped onion in cold water and pat dry before adding.
- 4Use freshly roasted cumin powder if possible; its warm aroma makes a noticeable difference in this simple salad.
- 5Chop the cucumber, onion, and tomato to a similar small size so every spoonful tastes balanced.
- 6For make-ahead prep, chop all vegetables separately and combine with salt, spices, and lemon just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Jain
Skip onion and add extra cucumber and tomato, or a little grated carrot, for a fresh Jain-friendly version.
chaat styleChaat-style
Add a pinch of chaat masala for a tangier, street-style kachumber that pairs especially well with grilled snacks.
no chiliNo-chili
Omit the green chili for a milder salad that still stays bright from lemon and roasted cumin.
raita styleRaita-style
Fold in a few spoonfuls of plain yogurt to make it creamier and more cooling alongside spicy curries.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydrating Fresh Vegetables
Cucumber and tomato bring plenty of water-rich freshness, making this salad light and refreshing with heavy meals.
Rich in Plant Compounds
Tomato, onion, chili, cilantro, and lemon contribute a range of natural antioxidants and flavorful phytonutrients.
Light Digestive Side
The simple mix of raw vegetables, lemon juice, and cumin makes a bright side dish that feels lighter than creamy accompaniments.
Frequently asked questions
Tomato, cucumber, salt, and lemon all release moisture. Deseed the tomato, chop just before serving, and season at the end.
