5-Minute Kachumber Salad (with Variations!)

Kachumber Salad in a white bowl with a white spoon.

5-Minute Kachumber Salad (with Variations!)

Here's a classic Kachumber Salad recipe you can make in 5 minutes with whatever crunchy vegetables you have on hand. This recipe shares fun variations, add-ins, and pairing suggestions!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Diet Gluten Free, Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword Kachumber, Kachumber Salad

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 11

Author Izzah Cheema

Ingredients

1 medium Roma or vine tomato diced into ¼ inch cubes or smaller
1/2 regular cucumber or 1/3 English cucumber or 1 mini (Persian) cucumber peeled (see Note 1) and diced into ¼ inch cubes or smaller (roughly the same size as the tomato)
1/4 medium red onion diced into ~¼ inch cubes or smaller
2 tbsp cilantro leaves finely chopped
½-1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place all the ingredients in a small serving bowl and toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Serve immediately or allow the flavors to meld and juices to release before serving, about 10 minutes. Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Video

Notes

Note 1: Peeling the cucumber reduces any chance of bitterness. If your cucumber is mild, feel free to leave peel on if you enjoy the extra crunch.

Note 2: I’m pretty lackadaisical about this but for presentation purposes, try to chop the vegetables around the same size.

Variations and Add-ins

Here are some common or interesting variations and add-ins:

Add heat with 1/8 tsp red chili powder or cayenne, or a finely chopped, deseeded green chili pepper.
Make it seasonal with crunchy vegetables like a carrots (my favorite!) or radishes in the winter or corn or bell peppers in the summer.
For a sweet element, add pomegranate seeds, diced mango, or golden raisins.
To enhance texture and warmth, sprinkle roasted cumin powder, chili flakes, or other spices.
For a layer of deep flavor, add a minced garlic clove.

See post for ingredient substitutions!

Nutrition