I love chips, there was a time when I could eat an entire bag of potato chips than an actual meal. But, eventually I kicked the habit of eating potato chips, and now treat myself once in a while with Tostitos multigrain scoops and Rice and bean snack chips . They are not healthy however a slightly better option than potato chips, if portioned and eaten with salad. This way, you get a small dose of good nutrition and will not feel any guilt of eating chips.
So now, whenever I crave for chips, I make myself kachumbar salad. Wondering what kachumbar is? It is the word used in hindi language for mashing or chopping something. So, its basically a chopped salad.
I have been eating this salad all my life with Indian meal. Kachumbar salad is really easy to make. You just need chopped up tomatoes, cucumber, onion, cilantro, green chilies, some lemon juice and seasoning. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It is light and every mouthful will bring a burst of flavors. The salad is ideally made with firm, fleshy tomatoes, red onion and mini cucumbers. You can of course make the salad with any kind of tomato or onion but make sure to use mini cucumbers for this. They are crunchier and tastier. If you can not find mini cucumbers you can replace with long english cucumber but scrape out the seeds. They tend to make the salad watery.
The vegetables are chopped small to scoop up easily with roti. That is why, I find the ready tostitos scoops (multi grain tortilla chips), an excellent choice to fill with this salad. If you have a friend who has a celiac disease or can not eat gluten this is the easiest appetizer you can make. If you do not have tostitios on hand serve any type of chips or crackers with it.
This is also my go-to favorites for last minute entertaining. I am pretty sure you are eating the same old creamy, cheese dip or store bought salsa each and every day, try this simple and flavorful salad for a change to liven up your palate.
Ingredients
- 1/2 red onion
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 cukes
- 2 small green chilies, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- salt and black pepper to taste
- Tostitos scoops about 30
- The measurement are approximate, add or reduce the above ingredients as per your preference
Instructions
- Dice up onion, tomato and cukes.
- Place the diced vegetables into a mixing bowl.
- Add lemon juice and cilantro.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss the ingredients to mix well.
- Serve the salad with scoops either immediately or refrigerate for sometime to soak in its own juices.
Updated photos, July 2019
I quickly shot the photo before serving to our friends on Canada day.
Nava Krishnan
Very creative Bal. Its such an awesome idea of using chips and plating the salad on top of it. A perfect finger food or healthy nibble.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
I love these little bites! This is perfect for parties. I tend to pick up these cup bites because it’s easy to eat (and go back to get more). BBQ season is coming up and great choice and idea of serving healthy salad!
CCU
Mmm I love kachumber salad, looks so delicious with the crackers 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Treat and Trick
Such a perfect bite, crunchy and healthy!
Juliana
Like the idea of filling this cups with lots of veggies…yum!
Enjoy your week Blavinder 🙂
Kitchen Belleicious
that looks so refreshing and perfect for spring and summer parties!
Liz
I have not heard of this salad before, but it looks amazing…perfect with the scoops!
Bam's Kitchen
This would be a great easy appetizer for a gathering. As a matter of fact I am having a little salad potluck at Bam’s Kitchen please bring over a tray over… I know it would be really fun if we could actually get to meet people face to face in a little gathering but I guess until then we can have a little virtual potluck. Take Care, BAM
Coffee and Crumpets
Usually a daily salad at my table whether we are having Indian food or not! I love this salad because it is basic and delicious.
I too can eat a whole bag of potato chips…my weakness. But I simply don’t buy any now. It’s just better that way!
I love your idea of stuffing the salad into little chip cups! Great way to portion.
Nazneen
anne
Instant bliss indeed 😀 Love this healthy and refreshing salad ! Great appetizer and the portion size is just right to eat ( x 3 or more ? 😉 ) and go lol
Liz
I can see how that would help ease a chip craving – something crunchy, savoury and with a bit of salty tang. Really nice idea to present the salad on the chips.
Viviane Bauquet Farre- Food and Style
A great, healthy snack, Balvinder!
Jennifer Eloff
Sounds tasty to me! Funny story: First time I served my youngest son a salad with cilantro in it, he accused me of trying to poison him! Haha! Today he will eat it though. Always make me smile when I remember his face and how indignant he was. LOL
Ambreen (Simply Sweet 'n Savory)
I love this simple kachumbar salad. These little savory bites look extra gorgeous! DELICIOUS!!!
Minnie@thelady8home
I stopped eating potato chips a long while ago, and the only indulgence I allow myself is when I have guests over and I am serving them cheese with pita or wheat crackers thins. These pockets look delicious. I have these salad almost everyday as a side, love it, and they go so perfectly with the pockets.
Balvinder
Well, I can’t eat pita or wheat thins so I look for options that are gluten free. This salad is staple in my home,too but I often add avocado or some leaves to it.