Palak Tomato Salad
A refreshing and nutritious Indian-style salad packed with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and protein-rich paneer. The zesty lemon-cumin dressing makes it a perfect light lunch, especially suitable for a healthy pregnancy diet.
For 4 servings
Prepare the salad vegetables.
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Set aside.
TIPFor a milder onion flavor, you can soak the chopped onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.Toast the paneer.
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and toast for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly golden on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
TIPDon't overcrowd the pan. Toast the paneer in batches if needed to ensure it gets a nice golden color instead of steaming.Whisk the salad dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together 5 teaspoons of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, and regular salt. Mix well until everything is combined.
Combine and toss the salad.
Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add paneer and walnuts.
Add the toasted paneer cubes and chopped walnuts to the salad. Give it one final gentle toss.
TIPAdd the paneer and walnuts just before serving to maintain their texture and crunch.Serve immediately.
Serve the Palak Tomato Salad immediately for the best taste and texture. The spinach will wilt if it sits for too long after being dressed.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use fresh, tender baby spinach for a better texture and milder flavor.
- 2Toasting the walnuts for a minute in a dry pan can enhance their flavor before adding them to the salad.
- 3Don't dress the salad until you are ready to eat, as the salt and acid will cause the spinach to wilt quickly.
- 4For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint or coriander leaves.
- 5Ensure the paneer is cooled slightly before adding to the salad to avoid wilting the spinach.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this salad is very healthy. It's rich in iron, vitamins A and C from spinach and tomatoes, protein and calcium from paneer, and healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts. It's an excellent choice for a nutritious meal, especially during pregnancy.
