Laccha Onion Salad
Thin onion rings tossed with lemon juice, mild spices, and fresh herbs make this classic Indian side bright, crunchy, and refreshing. It cuts through rich curries and kebabs beautifully and comes together in minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Slice the onions into thin rings.
Separate the onion slices gently with your fingers so you get loose rings instead of clumps.
- mix · ~2 min
Season the onions.
1.Place the onion rings in a bowl.2.Add lemon juice, salt, black pepper, red chili powder, and chaat masala.3.Toss well until the onions are evenly coated.4.Add green chili and coriander leaves and mix again lightly. - rest · ~5 min
Let the salad sit for 5 minutes.
TIPA short rest softens the sharp bite of raw onion while keeping the rings crisp. - serve
Serve the laccha onion salad fresh.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice the onions as thinly and evenly as possible so the lemon and spices coat every ring without weighing them down.
- 2If your onions taste very sharp, soak the rings in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and dry well before seasoning.
- 3Do not add salt too early; it draws out water and can make the salad limp if it sits too long.
- 4Let the tossed onions rest only about 5 minutes so they mellow slightly but still keep their signature crunch.
- 5Use freshly squeezed lemon juice here; bottled juice can taste flat and won't brighten the onions the same way.
- 6For the best texture, mix in coriander leaves and green chili at the end so they stay fresh and vibrant.
- 7Serve alongside rich kebabs, biryani, or creamy curries, where the tangy onions cut through heaviness beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-spice
Skip the green chili and reduce red chili powder for a milder onion salad that still keeps the lemony chaat masala flavour.
jainJain
Replace onion with thinly sliced cucumber or radish and season the same way for a similar crunchy, tangy side without onion.
kachumber styleKachumber-style
Add thin cucumber and tomato slices for a more substantial salad that pairs well with everyday dal, roti, and grilled dishes.
vinegar styleVinegar-style
Use a little vinegar with or instead of lemon juice for a sharper dhaba-style bite and slightly longer hold time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fresh Aromatics
Raw onion, coriander, green chili, and lemon provide bright flavour with very little heaviness, making this a light side dish.
Supports Balanced Meals
Its sharp, acidic profile helps offset rich curries, kebabs, and fried foods, making heavier meals feel fresher and less cloying.
Plant-Based and Simple
Made entirely from vegetables, herbs, and spices, this salad fits easily into vegan and vegetarian Indian meals.
Frequently asked questions
Soak the sliced onion rings in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and dry well before tossing with lemon and spices.
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