Paneer Salad Recipe – Zesty Chaat Masala & Tomato Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Salad Recipe – Zesty Chaat Masala & Tomato Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, refreshing, and flavourful snack or side dish. This Paneer Salad is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something light yet satisfying, and it’s been a regular in my kitchen ever since. It’s bursting with fresh flavours, a little bit of spice, and it comes together in under 10 minutes! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another salad. It’s a vibrant explosion of Indian flavours, thanks to the chaat masala. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side with your favourite Indian meal, or even a quick snack when those cravings hit. Plus, it’s super easy to customize – I’ll share some fun variations later on! It’s healthy, delicious, and guaranteed to brighten up your day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful salad:

• 2 Ripe red tomatoes
• ½ cup Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• ½ cup Capsicum (green bell pepper)
• 1 tsp Black pepper powder
• ½ tsp Chaat masala
• 1 tbsp Lime juice or vinegar
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your salad.

Paneer: Choosing the Right Texture

For this salad, I prefer a slightly soft paneer. It absorbs the flavours beautifully. You can use store-bought or homemade paneer – about 150-200g is perfect. If your paneer is very firm, soaking it in warm water for 10-15 minutes will soften it up nicely.

Chaat Masala: The Heart of the Flavor

Chaat masala is a quintessential Indian spice blend. It’s tangy, savoury, and a little bit spicy – it’s what makes this salad sing! You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online. Each brand has a slightly different flavour profile, so feel free to experiment to find your favourite.

Tomatoes & Capsicum: Freshness is Key

Seriously, use the freshest tomatoes and capsicum you can find. They’re the base of the salad, so their quality really shines through. I like using ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavour.

Lime Juice vs. Vinegar: A Flavorful Choice

I usually reach for lime juice for a brighter, fresher tang. But, if you don’t have any on hand, a good quality vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) works just as well! About 15ml of either will do the trick.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s so simple, you’ll be enjoying this salad in no time.

1. First, let’s prep the veggies. Dice your tomatoes and capsicum into bite-sized pieces.
2. Now, add them to a large mixing bowl. Crumble or cube the paneer and add that in too. Don’t be shy with the paneer – it’s the star! Add a tiny pinch of salt to the veggies and gently toss. Lightly mashing a few tomato pieces helps release their juices, creating a natural sauce.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chaat masala, black pepper powder, salt, and lime juice (or vinegar). This is your zesty dressing!
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix, or the paneer might crumble too much.
5. Serve immediately! It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this salad even better:

Achieving the Perfect Balance of Flavors

Taste as you go! Adjust the chaat masala, lime juice, and salt to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different.

Preventing a Watery Salad

Don’t add salt to the tomatoes and capsicum too early, as it will draw out the moisture. Adding it just before the dressing helps keep things crisp.

Working with Paneer: Softness & Crumbling

If your paneer is crumbling too much, try gently coating it in a little bit of cornflour before adding it to the salad. This will help it hold its shape.

Variations

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

Vegan Paneer Salad

Simply swap the paneer for firm or extra-firm tofu! Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it and add it to the salad.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check the label on your chaat masala to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment

If you like things spicy, add a pinch of red chilli powder or a finely chopped green chilli to the dressing. My friend, Priya, loves adding a dash of cayenne pepper!

Summer Cooling Variation

Add a handful of chopped cucumber and mint leaves for an extra refreshing twist. Perfect for hot summer days.

Festival Adaptation: A Quick Navratri Snack

During Navratri, many avoid onion and garlic. This salad fits perfectly into that diet! It’s a quick and satisfying snack during fasting.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile!

• Enjoy it as a light lunch on its own.
• Serve it as a side dish with your favourite Indian curries.
• Wrap it in a chapati or pita bread for a flavourful on-the-go meal.
• Add a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. The tomatoes and capsicum might release some liquid, so it might be a little watery.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What type of paneer works best for this salad?

A slightly soft paneer is ideal, as it absorbs the flavours beautifully.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the veggies and dressing ahead of time and combine them just before serving.

Is it possible to use other vegetables in this salad?

Absolutely! Cucumber, carrots, and even beetroot would be delicious additions.

What is chaat masala and where can I find it?

Chaat masala is a tangy, savoury Indian spice blend. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Can I adjust the tanginess of the salad?

Definitely! Add more or less lime juice (or vinegar) to suit your taste.

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