Sprouted Mung Bean Salad Recipe – Quick Indian Chaat Style

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sprouted Mung Bean Salad Recipe – Quick Indian Chaat Style

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful salad that comes together in minutes, you’ve landed in the right place. This Sprouted Mung Bean Salad is a staple in my house, especially during warmer months. It’s inspired by the delicious street food “chaat” flavors of India, but lightened up and perfect for a quick lunch or side dish. I first made this when I was craving something fresh and tangy, and it’s been a go-to ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is seriously addictive. It’s crunchy, tangy, a little bit spicy, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of sprouted mung beans and get a taste of India in under 10 minutes!

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup sprouted mung beans
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup sweet corn
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ – 1 teaspoon chaat masala (optional, but highly recommended!)
• ¼ – ½ cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best flavor:

Sprouted Mung Beans: Health Benefits & Selection

Sprouted mung beans are nutritional powerhouses! They’re packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. You can easily sprout them at home (more on that later!), or you can find pre-sprouted ones in many Indian grocery stores. Look for beans that are firm and have small, white sprouts – about ½ to 1 inch long is perfect.

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Flavor & Color Profile

Don’t skip this one if you can help it! Kashmiri red chili powder isn’t about intense heat; it’s all about beautiful color and a mild, fruity flavor. It gives the salad that gorgeous red hue you often see in Indian chaat. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with paprika, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.

Chaat Masala: The Tangy Spice Blend

Chaat masala is the secret ingredient for that authentic chaat flavor. It’s a blend of dried mango powder, amchur, black salt, cumin, coriander, and other spices. It adds a wonderful tangy and savory kick.

Lime Juice: Fresh vs. Bottled

Always, always use fresh lime juice if you can. It makes a world of difference! The bright, zesty flavor is unbeatable. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice will work, but try to find a good quality one without any added preservatives.

Cilantro: Regional Preferences & Substitutions

Cilantro is a love-it-or-hate-it herb, I know! If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with chopped mint or even parsley. In some parts of India, mint is actually preferred in this type of salad.

Step-By-Step Instructions

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

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sprouted mung beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, sweet corn, cucumber, and carrots.
2. Sprinkle with Kashmiri red chili powder, salt, and chaat masala (if using).
3. Pour the fresh lime juice over the mixture.
4. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
5. Garnish generously with chopped cilantro.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

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

Soaking & Sprouting Mung Beans for Optimal Texture

To sprout mung beans, soak them in water for 8-12 hours. Then, drain and rinse them 2-3 times a day for the next 24-48 hours, until they sprout. This gives them a lovely crunchy texture.

Achieving the Perfect Balance of Flavors

Taste as you go! Adjust the lime juice, chili powder, and chaat masala to your liking. Everyone’s spice preference is different.

Preventing a Watery Salad

Make sure to drain the cucumber well after dicing. You can even sprinkle it with a little salt and let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water.

Variations

This salad is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your chaat masala ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any animal-derived products.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Use ¼ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder and omit the chaat masala.
• Medium: Use ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder and ½ teaspoon chaat masala.
• Hot: Use 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, and a pinch of cayenne pepper!

Festival Adaptation: Navratri & Fasting-Friendly Version

During Navratri, many people avoid onions and garlic. Simply omit the red onion for a fasting-friendly version.

Adding Fruits: Mango, Pomegranate, or Apple

My family loves adding diced mango or pomegranate seeds for a touch of sweetness. A little grated apple also works beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

This salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or snack. It also makes a wonderful side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or paneer. You can even serve it as part of a larger Indian thali (platter).

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the salad may become a little watery as it sits.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are the health benefits of sprouted mung beans?

Sprouted mung beans are incredibly nutritious! They’re a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sprouting also increases their digestibility.

Can I use pre-sprouted mung beans from the store?

Absolutely! Pre-sprouted mung beans are a convenient option if you don’t have time to sprout them yourself.

What can I substitute for chaat masala?

If you can’t find chaat masala, you can try a blend of amchur powder (dried mango powder), cumin powder, coriander powder, and black salt. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will get you close.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

Best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, beets, or even spinach.