Onion & Veg Laccha Salad Recipe – Spicy Indian Side Dish

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Onion & Veg Laccha Salad Recipe – Spicy Indian Side Dish

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good side dish that packs a punch. This Onion & Veg Laccha Salad is exactly that – a vibrant, spicy, and incredibly refreshing salad that’s perfect with almost anything. I first made this when I was craving something tangy and quick to go with my dal-chawal, and it’s been a staple ever since! It’s seriously addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average onion salad. The “laccha” refers to the thinly sliced onion rings, which, when tossed in a fiery blend of spices, become unbelievably delicious. It’s quick to whip up – ready in under 10 minutes – and it’s a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to any meal. Plus, it’s super customizable!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this spicy delight:

• 2 onions
• As needed cold water
• ¾ tsp red chilli powder (adjust to your spice preference!)
• ½ tsp chaat masala
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ carrot, julienned
• ½ cucumber, chopped
• ½ capsicum (bell pepper), chopped

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Chaat Masala: This is the star! It’s a tangy, savory spice blend that gives this salad its signature flavor. Seriously, don’t skip it. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Chillies: I like to use green chillies for a fresh bite, but you can use red chilli powder to control the heat. Kashmiri chilli powder will give you a beautiful color with milder spice.
• Onion Varieties: Honestly, any onion works! Red onions are beautiful and have a slightly milder flavor, but yellow onions are perfectly fine too. My grandmother always used shallots when she made this – they add a lovely sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s so easy, you’ll be surprised.

1. First, slice your onions into nice, thick rings. Pop them into a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. This takes away some of the harshness and makes them extra crisp.
2. Drain the onions well and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
3. Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the red chilli powder, chaat masala, and salt over the onion rings. Give it a good mix, making sure every ring is coated in those lovely spices.
4. Add the chopped green chilli, fresh coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Gently toss everything together – you don’t want to break up the onion rings!
5. If you’re making the Mix Veg version, add the julienned carrot, chopped cucumber, and capsicum to the bowl with the spiced onions. Mix gently to combine.

And that’s it! Seriously, it’s that simple.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overmix: Gentle is key! You want to coat the onions, not mush them.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the chilli powder and lemon juice to your liking.
• Chill for extra zing: If you have a little time, pop the salad in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. It’s extra refreshing cold!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check your chaat masala ingredients to be sure.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder salad, reduce the chilli powder or remove the green chilli altogether. If you like it really hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• Festival Adaptations: During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can skip the onion and cucumber and increase the amount of carrot and capsicum.
• Regional Variations: My friend’s mom, who’s from Maharashtra, always adds a sprinkle of sev (crispy chickpea noodles) to her laccha salad. It adds a lovely crunch!

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• With roti and dal
• As a side with dal-chawal (lentils and rice)
• As a tangy topping for chaat (Indian street food)
• Alongside your favorite Indian curry

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The onions will lose some of their crispness, but it will still be tasty!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prep the onions and veggies ahead of time, but I recommend mixing everything together just before serving to keep it nice and crisp.
• What is the best type of onion to use for Laccha Salad? Red onions are great for their mild flavor and color, but any onion will work!
• Can I adjust the spice level to suit my preference? Absolutely! Start with less chilli powder and add more to taste.
• What can I serve this salad with? Anything! It’s a great accompaniment to Indian meals, but it also works well with grilled meats or even sandwiches.
• How does this salad differ from a regular onion salad? The thinly sliced onion rings (laccha) and the generous use of chaat masala are what set this salad apart. It’s much more flavorful and complex than a simple onion salad.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!