Palak Salad
A refreshing and nutritious Indian spinach salad with crumbled paneer, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy lemon-cumin dressing. A perfect light lunch that's packed with protein and vitamins, ready in just 15 minutes.
For 2 servings
Prepare the salad ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the washed baby spinach, chopped cucumber, tomato, and thinly sliced red onion. Crumble the paneer over the vegetables.
Whisk the salad dressing
- In a small bowl, add the olive oil, lemon juice, and honey.
- Add the roasted cumin powder, black salt, and a pinch of chaat masala (if using).
- Whisk everything together until the dressing is well combined.
TIPTaste and adjust the dressing now. You might prefer it more tangy or slightly sweeter.Dress and toss the salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables and paneer are lightly coated.
TIPAvoid over-tossing, as this can bruise the delicate spinach leaves.Garnish and serve immediately
Sprinkle the coarsely crushed roasted peanuts over the top of the salad for a crunchy finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a different texture, you can lightly pan-sear the paneer cubes in a non-stick pan until golden before adding them to the salad.
- 2Ensure the spinach is completely dry before adding it to the bowl to prevent a soggy salad.
- 3Only dress the salad right before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.
- 4Add other vegetables like grated carrots, bell peppers, or steamed corn for more color and nutrients.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Palak Salad is very healthy. It is rich in iron from spinach, protein from paneer, and loaded with vitamins and fiber from fresh vegetables. The healthy fats from olive oil and peanuts make it a well-rounded meal.
