Indian Onion Salad Clara quick dinners

Indian Onion Salad is a sharp, spicy, and refreshing condiment made with thinly sliced onions, lemon juice, and traditional Indian spices. Served alongside curries, tandoori dishes, or kebabs, this simple salad is a must-have accompaniment that adds bite and balance to rich meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers bold flavor with minimal ingredients. It’s crisp, zesty, and the perfect complement to any Indian meal. Whether you’re enjoying biryani, grilled meats, or paneer tikka, this salad cuts through the richness and enhances every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Lemon juice or vinegar
• Salt
• Red chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Green chili, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a bowl of cold water for 510 minutes to reduce its sharpness. Drain well.
2. In a bowl, mix the onions with lemon juice, salt, red chili powder, and ground cumin.
3. Add chopped green chili (if using) and fresh coriander.
4. Toss everything well to coat the onions evenly with spices.
5. Serve immediately or let sit for 510 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

Serves: 24
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time (optional): 510 minutes
Total Time: 1015 minutes

Variations

• Add sliced cucumber or tomato for a fuller salad.
• Mix in a pinch of chaat masala for extra tang.
• Use vinegar instead of lemon juice for a sharper flavor.
• Add grated carrot or radish for extra crunch.
• Include a dash of mustard oil for a traditional North Indian flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Best served fresh.
You can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
Onions may become overly soft or pungent if kept too long.
Do not reheat—this salad is served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Why soak onions in water before using?

Soaking reduces their pungency and makes them milder and crisper.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep it 12 hours ahead and keep it chilled.

What kind of onion is best?

Red onions are preferred for their color and milder flavor, but white onions can be used too.

Is Indian onion salad spicy?

It can be, depending on the amount of chili and spices used. Adjust to taste.

Can I add yogurt?

Yes, mix the onions with a spoonful of yogurt to make an onion raita.

What dishes does this pair well with?

It’s perfect with kebabs, curries, biryani, parathas, and grilled meats.

Can I add herbs besides coriander?

Mint also works well and adds a cooling contrast to the heat.

Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s low in calories and high in antioxidants from raw onions.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Absolutely—lime juice adds a slightly more intense citrus flavor.

How do I reduce the sharpness of raw onion?

Soaking in water or tossing with a little salt and lemon juice helps tame the bite.

Conclusion

Indian Onion Salad is a simple yet powerful side that brightens and elevates any Indian meal. With just a few ingredients, it brings freshness, crunch, and a punch of flavor to the table. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s an essential component of Indian cuisine you’ll want to serve again and again.

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