posted by 
Introducing a new spin on the classic Indian salad – high protein kachumber! This hearty version of kachumber salad is made with edamame, a medley of veggies, combined with spices, and almonds for staying power. So if you’re on the hunt for diabetic salad recipes that are also heart smart, this one will surely satisfy.
I’m captivated by the spicy-tangy elements and tantalizing texture of this kachumber salad (also spelt katchumber). And by blending my dietitian knowledge with my Desi (South Asian) roots, honestly, I feel like I’m in salad heaven.
With the weather getting warmer, I’ve been relying on hydrating salads that are both refreshing and nutritious. This easy kachumber salad, like my kale and quinoa salad, beetroot poriyal (warm beet salad), and kale Mediterranea salad, is a crowd-pleaser that balances meals beautifully.
Enjoy this delicious salad for a nutritional boost!
In a nutshell, this kachumber salad is bundled with plant-based proteins and healthy fats that work together to pack a nutritional punch! Let me explain.
- Edamame provides a good source of protein and dietary fibre – both of which are necessary for gut health and regularity.
- Almonds are heart-healthy nuts, providing a fair amount of polyunsaturated fats.
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting antioxidants, veggies are a nutritional powerhouse!
- Spices such as cumin and chilli powder lend powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fresh herbs contain plant compounds that guard against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Here’s what you’ll need
With a versatile line-up of ingredients, kachumber salad is a breeze to make. It’s ready in only 30 minutes, most of which you’ll spend prepping the vegetables and herbs. And if you own a food processor, it will save even more time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Edamame, shelled and boiled
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Tomato
- Jalapeno
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh mint
- Red chilli powder (Kashmiri)
- Cumin powder
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Salt
- Almonds
My go-to food processor – Breville The Sous Chef
I use this Breville – The Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Processor in my kitchen. I got it about 3 years ago and it functions beautifully, making chopping, dicing, shredding, grating, and mincing ever so easy!
How to make Indian kachumber in 5 simple steps
Once the veggies and herbs are prepped, the rest is a simple assembly job!
The complete recipe with ingredient amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Best ingredients for salads
When it comes to crafting nutritious salads, the possibilities are endless! I suggest assembling a medley of ingredients for both flavourful and textural appeal. For example:
- Greens, like kale, spinach and lettuce
- Fibre-rich wholegrains such as quinoa, farro and couscous
- Fruits and vegetables like apples, berries, peppers and cucumbers
- Vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and onions
- Proteins like chickpeas, kidney beans and tofu
- Healthy fats like avocados, nuts or seeds
- Herbs and spices
What to serve this kachumber salad recipe with
To create a nutritionally balanced meal, kachumber salad can be served with a side of protein. For example:
- Fish – like these pan fried basa fish fillets
- Chicken – either these tandoori chicken tikka skewers or chicken patties
- Beans and lentils – vegan kebab or dhal makhani is a lip-smacking pairing!
- Tofu – this curry tofu scramble is always a hit with our family!
For grain-based accompaniments, I recommend enjoying this healthy dinner salad with:
- Flatbread – like paratha or roti for a healthy dose of fibre.
- Wholegrain – like quinoa is absolutely delicious!
Serving note
This salad makes a delectable main course for two or serves three to four people when served as an accompaniment.
Food safe storage
You can make the most out of your meal prep and store this delicious kachumber salad in an airtight container or mason jar for up to two days. If you really want to get the most out of this recipe, though, it’s best served fresh since letting it sit for too long causes the juices to be released and the veggies to lose their crunchiness.
To make your preparation process easier, you can chop the vegetables and herbs ahead of time. And when you’re ready to serve, simply mix in the spices and lemon juice.
I hope this kachumber salad recipe adds a refreshingly delightful note to your meal planning. Enjoy!
If you give this Indian salad recipe a go, let me know what you think. Reviews and feedback are always welcome! Show off your Katchumber creations on Instagram or Facebook by tagging #desilicousrd – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Get the Recipe:
Indian Kachumber Salad With Edamame
Ingredients
- 2 cup edamame, shelled, frozen, boiled
- 1 cucumber, large, diced into small pieces
- 1 tomato, large, diced into small pieces
- ½ red onion, medium, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, large, finely chopped
- ¼ cup mint, leaves only, finely chopped
- ½ cup cilantro, leaves and stems, finely chopped
- 1½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli, powder
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp salt, sea salt
- 1 lemon, juice, small, fresh
- ¼ cup almonds, plain, unsalted, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook frozen edamame as per packet instructions and cool completely before assembling the salad.
- Meanwhile, cube the cucumber and tomato into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the onion, jalapeno pepper and herbs. For texture contrast, roughly chop the almonds.
- Combine cooled edamame, diced cucumber, chopped onion, tomato, jalapeno, cilantro and mint in a large bowl.
- Add Kashmiri chilli powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, and salt and mix gently until all the ingredients are combined.
- Toss almonds for garnish and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Best ingredients for salads
When it comes to crafting nutritious salads, the possibilities are endless! I suggest assembling a medley of ingredients for both flavourful and textural appeal. For example:- Greens, like kale, spinach and lettuce
- Fibre-rich wholegrains such as quinoa, farro and couscous
- Fruits and vegetables like apples, berries, peppers and cucumbers
- Vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and onions
- Proteins like chickpeas, kidney beans and tofu
- Healthy fats like avocados, nuts or seeds
- Herbs and spices
Food safe storage
You can make the most out of your meal prep and store this delicious kachumber salad in an airtight container or mason jar for up to two days. If you really want to get the most out of this recipe, though, it’s best served fresh since letting it sit for too long causes the juices to be released and the veggies to lose their crunchiness. To make your preparation process easier, you can chop the vegetables and herbs ahead of time. And when you’re ready to serve, simply mix in the spices and lemon juice.Serving note
This salad makes a delectable main course for two or serves three to four people when served as an accompaniment.Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
