Description
Food is one of those universal languages that transcends cultures, borders, and even moods. When you sit down to eat, you’re not just feeding your body—you’re feeding your soul. And every now and then, a recipe comes along that doesn’t just delight your taste buds but also becomes a conversation starter, a showstopper on Instagram, and a dish you want to make over and over again. Chilli Cucumber Salad with Indian Tadka is exactly that kind of recipe.
Ingredients
Base salad:
- 1 large cucumber (or 3–4 mini cucumbers), thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance heat)
- 2 tsp chopped spring onions
For the tadka (tempering):
- 1 tbsp oil (neutral or mustard oil)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 dry red chili
Instructions
- Prep the cucumber: Thinly slice using a mandolin or sharp knife. Place in a mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: Add garlic, chili oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sugar, and spring onions. Toss well to coat.
- Prepare the tadka: Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and dry red chili. Let them splutter for 10 seconds.
- Finish the salad: Pour the hot tadka over the dressed cucumbers. Mix once more and serve immediately for maximum crunch
Notes
This refreshing salad is a perfect balance of cool cucumber and spicy Indian tadka. Serve it as a side with curries, rice dishes, or grilled meats. For extra freshness, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lemon before serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: None
Keywords: Spicy cucumber salad with tadka, Indian-style cucumber salad, Cucumber chili salad recipe