Paneer Tikka Kachumber Salad

This delicious Indian salad is known as Paneer Tikka Kachumber Salad, and it is made using yogurt-based marinade paneer or tofu marinated with spices and Indian cottage cheese, and grilled on a skewer or without skewers along with fresh chopped vegies which can be made on a whim whenever hunger strikes. It can go with almost any Indian meal for a taste boost. 

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I always prepare a simple salad when lunch is served at my place. There are so many salad recipes available, but during our meals, we need something light, tasty, and simple to accompany our meals. And those are the days when I make Kachumber along with paneer tikka which can be cooked in an oven, paneer tikkas taste the best when roasted, however, they are also delicious when broiled or pan-fried on a stovetop.

The recipe for Kachumbar includes chopped onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, and salt, pepper, and cayenne, and a lemon dressing. Serve as a side dish with Indian curries, as a dip with chips, or as a topping on burgers.

It incorporates salt, pepper, cayenne, lemon, or lime as the dressing. Kachumber Salad has a crunchy and cooling taste that is ideal with hot and spicy foods.

If you want to make it vegan then feel free to use extra firm tofu and follow the same process same as paneer tikka.

Some other paneer recipes you will like on my blog – Paneer Butter Masala Restaurant Style,  Palak paneer paratha (Spinach Cottage Cheese Paratha),  Tandoori Paneer samosa (Best Samosa Recipe),  Paneer Capsicum In Tomato Gravy.

In the olden days when most families stayed in joints, it used to be common for people to eat a complete meal, which includes rice, chapati, vegetable sabzi, dal, salad, curd, pickle, mango chutney, etc.

Nowadays, light and refreshing salads have become one of my favorite meals for my meals. Not only are they easy and quick to make, but the fresh flavor of raw veggies as well as the salad dressing are also a welcome change from the usual cooked food. So here I have tried to include a full meal along with protein as well as nutrients from fresh vegetables and fruits.

We live in nuclear families nowadays, however, and we lack the time and energy to prepare such elaborate meals every day. Summer has arrived so some photography with my favorite Canon along with some red wine and when hungry this salad makes my mood absolutely perfect with some toasted whole wheat bread with olive oil. Just Wowww!

What Is Kachumber?

This Kachumber Salad is a straight-up mixture of finely chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. Kachumber is a Hindi word that is often used for simple things, and we’re using it in this recipe for cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions

We also make a kachumber salad with rice or Rotis whenever we make veg biryani, dal tadka, or any other veg-based curry. This is how we get our daily serving of vegetables.

You can prepare this dish in just 10 minutes by chopping the vegetables and flavoring them with salt, pepper, and lime juice.

Coriander leaves are added to bring out its refreshing taste. Green chilies are added to kick it up, and red chili powder for a little kick.

Gujarati Style Kachumber is a delicious summer cuisine where you can use fresh mangoes. You could also use raw mangoes instead of fresh ripe ones as it adds a hint of sweetness to this spicy tangy salad.

Just like Mexican Pico De Gallo, this salad is 

• Light and refreshing
• Easy and quick to make
• Crunchy & Fresh
• A summertime salad
• Flavorful
• Vegan if you are using Extra firm tofu
• Gluten-Free
• Oil-free
• Spicy
• Warm
• Lightly Rich in proteins

What is Paneer Tikka?

This delicious snack combines marinated paneer with yogurt and spices. Grilled until charred, it is a famous Indian appetizer. Take extra firm tofu if you wish to make it vegan.

Additionally, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes are added to the marination along with paneer. Once cooked, it is accompanied by cilantro mint chutney, onion slices, and lemon wedges (Here we are skipping this process by just adding paneer tikka).

My paneer tikka recipe with its authentic North Indian flavors was inspired by my favorite restaurant in the Indian subcontinent. It is prepared using modern cooking techniques and warm spices such as turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala.

About Paneer Tikka Kachumber Salad

In my home, every lunch needs a simple salad. There are many salad recipes, but during our meals, we need something simple, tasty, and light to serve on the side. Kachumber is my go-to recipe for those days.

The popular Indian appetizer paneer tikka is a marinated mixture of cheese and vegetables and is traditionally grilled in a tandoor. With this recipe, you can make the same thing in the oven.

So basically we are mixing these two dish together and making a delicious salad rich in proteins and nutrients.

How To Bake, Grill, or Air fry Paneer Tikka?

Paneer can be grilled in a number of ways: in the oven, in the air fryer, on a stovetop, or by grilling.

Oven method – The oven method involves threading the marinated paneer, onion, and capsicum on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spray a little olive oil and then heat up the oven to 430 degrees F(220 degrees C) and bake until they are golden cooked from all sides.

After baking at 450°F degrees for 10 minutes, turn on the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until paneer pieces look charred. Those who prefer their paneer even softer can bake it at 450 F degrees for five minutes and broil it for three to four minutes.

Using a stovetop Method – Heat up a little bit of oil in a large pan or grill pan if possible to get that clear grill mark on paneer or firm tofu with the sizzling onion and bell pepper(Optional) and then toss in the marinated paneer cubes or tofu cubes. Cook till they are golden on all sides.

It’s best to use a grill pan, but if you don’t have one you can use a pan or Tawa instead. Don’t forget to grease the pan first with olive or any vegetable oil. Place all the paneer pieces on skewers with onion or peppers, and roast on tawa or grill pan.

Air-fried Method – An air fryer method can be used to cook the marinated paneer served alongside onions and capsicums. They can be air fried for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.

You can cook dishes like paneer tikkas with the help of an air fryer. The air fryer achieves the perfect texture and flavors in no time.

Ingredients 

For Paneer tikka :

• 400 gm – Paneer
• 2 tbsp – Mustard oil
• 1 tbsp – Kashmiri red chilly powder
• 1/2 cup – Yogurt
• 1 tsp – Ginger paste
• 1 tsp – Cumin powder
• 1 tsp – Coriander powder
• 1 tsp – Garam masala powder
• 1/2 tsp – Dry mango powder
• 1/2 tsp black salt
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp – Coriander chopped

For Salad :

• 1 cup – Cucumber chopped
• 2 medium – Tomatoes chopped
• 1 medium – Carrot chopped
• 2 tbsp – Coriander chopped
• 1/2 cup – Corn frozen or fresh
• 3 – Green chilly chopped
• 1/2 tsp – Black pepper powder
• 1 tsp – Chaat masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp – lemon juice
• 1/2 cup – Pomegranate

Vegetables – You can add finely chopped tomatoes, freshly crushed green chilis, limes, and fresh coriander to this dish. Other choices include stewed beetroots and boiled potatoes. 

Although green chilies provide much of the needed heat, coriander gives the salad the necessary freshness it needs.

Pomegranate – Several people like to add pomegranate because it is a nice addition to it that also adds a touch of sweetness.

Lemon Juice – This gives the recipe much-needed tanginess. You can also replace lemon juice or lime juice with vinegar. Try varying the varieties of vinegar for a different taste.

Paneer – Put good quality paneer in it. My personal favorite brand is Nanak. Guests who prefer Nanak can find it in Indian markets, Whole Foods, and Costco, or wall mart too. In India, you can choose Thacker or Amul brand my personal favorite.

Greek or Plain yogurt – A thick creamy marinade can be prepared by using plain full-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt.

Red chilly powder – A lot of restaurants use food coloring for Tandoori dishes; however, I prefer using a mild Kashmiri chili powder which gives the dish a beautiful orange hue, without being excessively spicy.

Garam masala powder – Fresh homemade garam masala elevates the taste of this classic tandoori dish.

Dry mango powder – It gives a tangy flavor and makes tikka taste delicious.

Kasuri methi – Also called dried fenugreek leaves this dried herb is used in several North Indian dishes. You can skip the leaves if you don’t have them as there is no substitute

Paprika – Finished with smokey paprika, tikka bites are even more delicious.

Chat masala – Spice mixes with black sea salt, known as chat masala, are popular for their tangy and hot taste. Add a few pinches to meals as a garnish for a punch of flavor.

Olive and Mustard Oil – A good extra virgin olive oil will result in an authentic taste, so use it. Use only refined oil if you don’t have extra virgin olive oil. Here I have taken mustard oil as it gives authentic paneer tikka flavor.

Check out the Paneer Tikka Kachumber Salad Video :

How To Make Paneer Tikka Kachumber Salad Recipe Step By Step With Photo:

1. Take a bowl or plate. Add mustard oil and Kashmiri red chilly powder and mix well.
2. Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste: yogurt, ground ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, dry mango powder, black salt, salt to taste, fresh coriander chopped.
   
3. Cut the Paneer in large chunks, and marinate it in the smooth paste we prepared.. If possible rest for 1 hour. But it’s completely optional. Below I am showing the stovetop process. You can bake or air- fry the marinated panner as mentioned above in the oven or air fryer process.
4. Heat olive oil in a grill pan. Spread. Then place the marinated Paneer.
   
5. Flip every Paneer piece after 4 minutes. Fry on medium flame.
6. Take out the grilled Paneer Tikka. Slice them now. Keep aside.
   
   
7. Take a large mixing bowl and add all the vegetables under the salad ingredients. Lastly, add pomegranate. Mix everything well.
   
   
   
   
8. Now serve kachumber salad with Paneer tikka.

Important Suggestion To Keep In Mind

• The paneer tikka can also be cooked on the barbecue grill.
• It is best to cut the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions evenly, to make a perfect Kachumber Salad.
• I prefer using store-bought paneer in this particular recipe as homemade paneer is usually too fragile and may break while grilling.
• The salad can be further spiced up by adding in some chaat masala powder and red chili powder.
• For children, you should not add green chilies.
• Peel and remove the pomegranate kernels and store them in the refrigerator, so that they are ready whenever you want the kachumber. Just add it after you have mixed everything.
• By adding oil to the paneer and veggie mixture while grilling or baking, moisture can be kept in control. In addition, paneer and vegetables are brushed with a light coating of oil to prevent them from becoming dry.

Serving Suggestions

Freshly prepared Kachumber Salad is served at meals. It goes well with Biryani and Pulavs. This can be added to wraps, burritos, tacos, burgers, and even Buddha bowls.

Put some chaat masala and some lemon juice on the paneer tikka to complete the dish.

The yogurt can be mixed with the salad and served as a dip with Chips, Nachos, Spicy Crackers, etc.

Storage Suggestion

You should prepare the kachumber fresh, as storing it in the fridge may ruin its freshness and crunchiness.

However in case you still have leftovers you can store them in a sealed container for about 2 days in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come near room temperature before serving.

The Paneer Tikka stays good in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat it, you can use a microwave or pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cucumbers supposed to be peeled?

It’s a matter of preference. If you’ve got really fresh cucumbers, then leave the skin on so that it adds an extra crunch and it’s healthier too.

What is the best way to make thick yogurt?

It is necessary for the marinade to be thick to marinate the paneer cubes since if it is thin, it will not adhere to the paneer cubes.

It is very easy to make thick yogurt. Line a sieve with a muslin cloth and strain yogurt gently. Let it sit for one hour on a bowl. Any excess water will drip down and you will have thick yogurt. One can also substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt.

Is it possible to make it without Onion?

Yes, if you don’t eat onion, you can simply skip including it. Kachumber tastes great without onion as well. If you want to add extra crunch to this version, add in finely chopped carrot.

What is the best way to make thick yogurt?

Thick yogurt is required to marinate the cubes of paneer because if the yogurt is not thick enough, it won’t stick to the cubes of paneer.

It’s very easy to make thick yogurt. Just line a sieve with a muslin cloth and strain the yogurt through it. Let it rest over a bowl for half an hour until all the liquid drips down. Greek yogurt can also be substituted for plain yogurt.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, of course, you can just add tofu in place of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and in place of yogurt add oats milk yogurt, or almond milk yogurt. Rest everything is fine.

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Note: A rough estimate of nutrition is provided.

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