Indian Cucumber Salad tastes delicious, with the crunchy cucumber tossed with flavorful Indian spices that you can easily make at home using simple, easy-to-find ingredients in under 10 minutes.
Indian recipes are all about the combination of spices and their flavors in the proper proportions. If you understand the basics of spices, you can make every dish taste its best, including this Indian cucumber salad(also this Tofu curry recipe).
If you're craving Indian recipes, you don’t need to rush to an Indian store to find a long list of ingredients. Here is the recipe!
I have tested it multiple times and simplified this recipe as much as possible while keeping the flavors and essence of Indian cooking intact(like in this Madras lentils recipe).
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
⭐️It’s quick and easy to make.
⭐️Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
⭐️Delivers the same delicious flavors as a restaurant!
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: I’ve used English cucumbers. Today, since the cucumber’s skin is thin, I left it on. You can peel it if you prefer.
- Onions: Use red or white onions—both work fine for this recipe.
- Cilantro: Adds a dramatic burst of flavor and pairs beautifully with the cucumber.
- Serrano pepper: Serrano pepper is one of the key flavors in this dish, but if you prefer less heat, you can substitute it with mild peppers or even green bell peppers.
- Lemon Juice: For fresh flavors.
- Spices: Ground cumin and black pepper are a must for the warm Indian flavors. You can also swap it with chaat masala or curry powder, depending on what is available to you.
How To Make Indian Cucumber Salad
- Add the chopped cucumbers, onion, tomato, serrano pepper, lemon juice, and cilantro in a large salad bowl.
- Sprinkle the ground cumin, black pepper, and salt over the salad mixture.
♨️How To Adjust The Heat Level
This Indian cucumber salad tastes with gentle heat. It's mainly made from serrano pepper, so you can easily adjust it to match your taste.
Green bell peppers work well for a mild flavor, while banana peppers offer a gentle heat.
Thai green chilies are a great choice if you prefer moderate spiciness. Remember that the peppers' seeds and veins hold most heat, so removing them can give you the pepper's essence with less heat.
The Leftovers
You can repurpose this salad by tossing it into the wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls.
While it’s best served fresh, you can refrigerate it for up to a day.
Remember that the salad doesn’t freeze well; the cucumber loses its texture once frozen, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing this Indian cucumber salad.
Pro Tips For Best Results
If you plan to make this salad beforehand, drain any excess water that the cucumbers release after a while. This helps keep the salad crisp and ensures a better texture.
FAQ
Cucumbers become watery and soggy if left for too long, so I recommend slicing them just before serving. If you want to prepare in advance, mix the spices and prep the other ingredients beforehand. When you’re ready to serve, chop the cucumbers and combine everything.
Yes, you can increase the spiciness by adding more serrano pepper or Thai chili peppers to suit your taste. Adjust the heat level based on your preference for a spicier kick.
More Cucumber Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Indian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers peeled and finely chopped
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 tomato deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 serrano pepper deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Add prepped cucumbers, onion, tomato, cilantro, serrano pepper, and lemon juice in a large bowl
- Sprinkle ground cumin, ground black pepper, and salt over the mixture.
- Add the lemon juice and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For maximum freshness and flavor, slice the cucumbers and combine the ingredients just before serving; letting the salad sit for 10 minutes allows the spices to infuse beautifully.
- Reduce the heat level by choosing milder peppers or removing the seeds of the serrano pepper.
- Leftovers can be repurposed in wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls, but are best served fresh; refrigerate for up to a day, but avoid freezing, as it impacts texture.
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