Onion Salad
Thinly sliced onions tossed with lemon juice, green chili, and coriander make this simple Indian salad bright, crunchy, and punchy. It is the kind of quick side that lifts grilled dishes, curries, and kebabs instantly.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Slice the onions and chili.
1.Peel the onions and slice them thinly into rings or half-moons.2.Separate the onion layers gently with your fingers.3.Slice the green chili finely. - mix · ~2 min
Mix the salad.
1.Add the sliced onion, green chili, and coriander leaves to a bowl.2.Sprinkle in the chaat masala and salt.3.Pour over the lemon juice and toss well until the onions are evenly coated. - rest · ~5 min
Let the salad sit for 5 minutes.
Set the salad aside briefly so the onions soften slightly and absorb the lemon and spices.
- serve
Serve the 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 as possible so the lemon and chaat masala coat every layer evenly.
- 2After slicing, separate the onion layers well with your fingers so the seasoning reaches all the pieces.
- 3If your onions taste very sharp, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before tossing.
- 4Let the salad rest only about 5 minutes; longer resting softens the onions too much and reduces crunch.
- 5Add the lemon juice just before serving if you want the onions to stay crisp for a buffet or barbecue spread.
- 6Taste after resting, then adjust salt and chaat masala, because onions release moisture and can dull the seasoning.
- 7For the best texture, serve this fresh the same day rather than refrigerating it overnight.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-spice
Reduce or skip the green chili for a milder onion salad that still keeps the lemony, chaat masala punch.
kachumber styleKachumber-style
Add diced cucumber and tomato for a juicier, more substantial Indian salad to serve with dals and curries.
smokySmoky
Add a pinch of roasted cumin powder for a warmer, earthier flavor that pairs especially well with kebabs.
jainJain
Replace onion with thinly sliced cabbage or cucumber while keeping lemon, coriander, chili, and chaat masala.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Aromatic Herbs
Coriander leaves add fresh herbal flavor along with plant compounds that make the salad feel light and vibrant.
Vitamin C From Lemon
Lemon juice brings brightness and contributes vitamin C while helping balance the sharpness of raw onion.
Light, Fresh Side Dish
With mostly raw onion, herbs, and lemon, this is a simple accompaniment that adds flavor without heavy ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Soak the sliced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly before mixing with lemon and spices.
