Simple Indian Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

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Name: Simple Indian Cucumber, Tomato, & Onion Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ¼ onion (sliced or diced); ½ cucumber (sliced); 2 roma tomatoes (diced); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine (optional); 1 teaspoon fresh mint, chopped fine (optional)

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Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this INDIAN CUCUMBER SALAD is the perfect balance of crisp veggies, bright citrus, and warm spices. It’s a simple yet vibrant dish that comes together in minutes, making it an easy side or snack. Whether enjoyed on its own or alongside your favorite meals, this salad is a must-try!

Some dishes just belong together, and for my wife, no Indian meal feels complete without a side of this fresh, tangy cucumber salad. Anytime we’re making dal, biryani, or anything with a bit of heat, she insists on whipping up a quick batch. The cool, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and bright lemon juice balance out the richness of Indian flavors, making every bite feel fresh and satisfying. It’s such a simple dish, but it brings so much to the table.

What I love about this salad is how effortlessly it comes together. A handful of fresh ingredients, a few staple spices, and a quick toss in a bowl—that’s all it takes. But despite its simplicity, it delivers bold flavors. The cumin and coriander add an earthy warmth, while the lemon juice brightens everything up. A sprinkle of salt ties it all together, and if you want to take it up a notch, a little fresh mint or parsley gives it an extra layer of freshness.

This salad is perfect as a side dish, but we also love eating it on its own as a light snack. On hot days, it’s especially refreshing straight from the fridge. And because it’s so versatile, you can easily tweak it to match whatever you’re cooking. Add some diced green chilies for heat, a sprinkle of chaat masala for extra tang, or even a bit of yogurt to make it creamy. No matter how you enjoy it, one thing is for sure—once you start making this, you’ll never want to have an Indian meal without it again!

Key Ingredients

CUCUMBER: Cucumber is the base of this salad. It adds a cooling contrast to the bold flavors of Indian dishes. You can use any variety, but I prefer Persian or English cucumbers since they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
ROMA TOMATOES: These tomatoes are firm and slightly sweet, making them perfect for a fresh salad. They don’t release too much water, which helps keep the salad crisp rather than soggy. Cherry tomatoes cut in halves or quarters work well too.
ONION: Onions add a bit of bite to the salad. I like using red or white onions for their sharpness, but if you prefer a milder flavor, soak the onion slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
LEMON JUICE: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the earthy spices and enhancing the freshness of the cucumbers and tomatoes. You can substitute it with lime juice for a slightly different tang.
CUMIN & CORIANDER POWDER: These two spices give the salad its signature Indian flavor. Cumin powder adds a warm, smoky depth, while coriander powder brings a slightly citrusy, floral note. They work beautifully together to enhance the overall taste of the salad.
KOSHER SALT: Salt is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the vegetables and helping to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, making them even more crisp and refreshing.
FRESH MINT & PARSLEY (OPTIONAL): Mint and parsley add an extra layer of brightness and freshness to the salad. Mint, in particular, enhances the cooling effect of the cucumbers, while parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery note. If you love herbs, you can also try adding fresh cilantro for a more traditional Indian touch.

Ingredient Variations

One of the best things about this salad is how customizable it is. Here are some variations you can try:

SPICY KICK – Add finely chopped green chilies or a dash of red chili powder for heat.
TANGY TWIST – Sprinkle some chaat masala for extra tang and depth of flavor.
CREAMY VERSION – Mix in a spoonful of yogurt to make it more like a cooling raita.
EXTRA CRUNCH – Toss in some thinly sliced radish or bell peppers for added texture.

No matter how you tweak it, this cucumber salad is one of those recipes that will quickly become a staple in your home—just like it has in ours!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Indian Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad is incredibly easy to make, but a few small details can take it from good to great. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get the best flavor and texture every time.

1. PREPARE THE VEGETABLES

Start by slicing or dicing ¼ onion as per your preference. If you enjoy a strong onion flavor, leave it as is. If you want a milder taste, soak the onions in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This removes some of the sharpness and makes them slightly sweeter.

Next, halve the cucumber lengthwise and slice it into thin half-moons. If you’re using a Persian or English cucumber, there’s no need to peel it. However, if using a regular cucumber, you may want to peel it and remove the seeds for a smoother texture.

Dice 2 Roma tomatoes into small pieces. Roma tomatoes are great because they’re firm and don’t release too much juice, helping to keep the salad crisp. If using cherry tomatoes, simply cut them in halves or quarters.

2. COMBINE THE INGREDIENTS

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped onion, cucumber, and tomatoes. Give them a quick toss to evenly distribute everything.

3. SEASON THE SALAD

Now, it’s time to bring everything together with flavor. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the vegetables. This will help brighten up the salad and balance the earthy flavors of the spices.

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt. Using a spoon or clean hands, gently toss everything together to ensure the seasonings coat the vegetables evenly.

4. ADD FRESH HERBS (OPTIONAL)

If you’re using fresh herbs, now’s the time to add them. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley and 1 teaspoon finely chopped mint. These herbs add an extra layer of freshness and cooling effect, especially if you’re pairing this salad with a spicy dish.

5. TASTE AND ADJUST SEASONING

Before serving, take a quick taste. If you want more acidity, add a little extra lemon juice. If you’d like more spice, sprinkle in a pinch of chaat masala or red chili powder for some heat. If the salad tastes a little flat, a tiny pinch more salt will bring out all the flavors.

6. SERVE OR CHILL UNTIL READY TO EAT

You can serve this salad immediately, or if you have time, let it sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re making it ahead, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep well in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more the cucumbers will release water, so if you plan on storing it, you may want to drain any excess liquid before serving.

Enjoy!

Serve this cucumber salad alongside your favorite Indian curries, dals, or grilled meats. It’s also a refreshing snack on its own or a great side dish for a summer meal. However you choose to enjoy it, this simple yet flavorful salad is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen—just like it has in ours!