Indian Tomato and Onion Salad

One of the BEST things about salads is that they’re simple—but they don’t have to be boring. With only a few seasonings and some fresh cilantro, this Indian tomato and onion salad is bursting with fun, fresh flavors. And, it’s even got a satisfying crunch from the cucumber!

A deliciously simple side dish, or a quick-and-easy healthy snack that you can whip up in minutes. Or, you can also use this Indian tomato and onion salad as a component in other meals, like a hummus bowl or a vegan Buddha bowl!

When I created this recipe, it was as a part of my spicy chickpea Buddha bowl. I love the fresh coolness it brings to the flavorful sauteed spinach and spicy roasted chickpeas in that meal! I definitely recommend checking it out!

Ingredients in my Indian-Inspired Tomato and Onion salad.

• Cherry Tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes do so much to create freshness in this salad. Acidic and slightly sweet, they pop in your mouth with so much dimension and flavor. Not to mention tomatoes are full of micronutrients and antioxidants!
• Red Onion. I’m always careful to include red onion in salads because the flavor can be somewhat overwhelming, but it really balances things out perfectly. It adds a subtle sweetness with a little bit of a kick, and overall enhances the rest of the flavors.
• Cucumber. Cucumber isn’t just filler in this salad, it adds SO much freshness, flavor, and texture. Tomatoes and red onion have such a strong presence that the cucumber is a welcome addition to help balance everything out.
• Cilantro. Cilantro can be bitter to some, but for most of us it will really brighten up an already very fresh flavor profile.
• Olive Oil. Adds a smooth, rich texture.
• Lime Juice. Infuses a tangy zest that ties all the flavors together.
• Cumin. Gives this dish a warm, earthy undertone characteristic of Indian cuisine.

How to Make Indian Tomato and Onion Salad

1. Prep the Veggies:
   Wash and dry all produce. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the cucumber.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, onion slices, diced cucumber, and chopped cilantro.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss and Serve:
   Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until the vegetables are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Chill or Enjoy Immediately:
   Serve fresh or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Reimagining the Salad

First of all, if you can’t stand raw leafy greens, you don’t need a bed of greens in your salad! In Indian cuisine, it’s common to serve a bed-less salad with raw veggies like tomato, onion, and cucumber—or sometimes just sliced raw veggies served on a plate for munching!

Normally, I am NOT a salad gal because eating raw leafy greens just ain’t my thang… So, this Indian tomato and onion salad is right up my alley, and I still get plenty of wholesome veggies.

And, it’s a refreshing, cool element that pairs well with spicier components to temper the heat. But, with just a few seasonings and some fresh cilantro, it’s still bursting with fun, fresh flavors all its own!

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with spicy dishes, offering a cooling contrast. It’s also a delightful addition to a hummus bowl or a vegan Buddha bowl, adding a fresh, crunchy element.

This salad is also endlessly adaptable. Don’t have cumin? Swap it with a pinch of garam masala or chaat masala for a deeper spice profile. Not a fan of cilantro? Fresh parsley works as a great substitute.

Nutritional Highlights

Packed with antioxidants from tomatoes and onions, hydrating properties from cucumbers, and essential vitamins from cilantro, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious!

Variations

Feel free to customize this salad by adding ingredients like diced avocados for creaminess, jalapeños for heat, or roasted peanuts for extra crunch.

For more inspiration, check out my Spicy Chickpea Buddha Bowl and Indian Spiced Sautéed Spinach recipes!

Bring a taste of India to your kitchen with this Indian Tomato and Onion Salad. Its bold flavors and fresh ingredients make it an easy go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressive dinner parties. Try it today and watch it become a household favorite!