This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Crunchy veggies in a spicy, zesty Indian-spice vinaigrette, make this chaat masala salad a summer staple! The Indian spice blend “chaat masala” gives this salad an incredible flavor, while tofu and veggies make it a satisfying, light meal.
Table of Contents
Let me introduce you to this amazing Indian spice blend called Chaat Masala. Chaat masala is an Indian spice blend which includes Indian sulfur salt (kala namak), cumin, cayenne, and other ingredients. It’s adds an amazing sour and spicy flavor!
This is a refreshing summer chaat masala salad inspired by a kachumber salad. I used onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes as a base and add some tofu for protein, lots of cilantro for the herbs, and lettuce for some extra crunch and to make it more of a filling meal.
It has a simple dressing of lime juice, loads of black pepper, and chaat masala.
If you’re wondering why I would you would add eggy-smelling kala namak to the mix, well chaat masala has been used in Indian cuisine for various flavors. They are very popular and used in many snacks, street food, or over fruits and any which way in India. It might smell slightly eggy, but the taste is kind of spicy sour patch kind of flavor profile. And that flavor works wonderfully in this chopped salad. You definitely have to try it!
Why You’ll Love Chaat Masala Salad
- lots of fresh, crunchy veggies
- sweet-and-spicy, tangy dressing
- ready in under 30 minutes
- naturally gluten-free, oil-free, and nut-free
More Vegan Summer Salads
- Summer Pasta Salad
- Chickpea Dill Salad
- Lentil Quinoa Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
- Mango Chickpea Zucchini Koshimbir Salad with Curry Leaves
Chaat Masala Salad(Chopped Salad with Indian-spice vinaigrette)
Ingredients
For the veggies:
- 7 ounces firm or extra firm tofu, pressed for at least 15 minutes and then sliced into small cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 or 2 tomatoes, chopped small
- 1/2 a green chili, such as serrano or jalapeño, finely minced
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper, I use either red bell pepper or a mix of red and green
- 1 cup chopped cucumber, (partially peeled and then chopped into small pieces)
- 1 cup chopped or thinly sliced red radishes
- 1/2 cup packed cilantro
- 2 cups of packed chopped romaine lettuce
For the dressing:
- 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, optional
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Indian chaat masala blend
- 2 teaspoons of maple syrup
Instructions
- Chop up all of the veggies and tofu, if you haven’t already, and add them to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, add all of the ingredients for the dressing and mix really well.
- Add the dressing into the salad bowl and toss really well to coat, and serve immediately.
- You can add in some extra crunch and protein by topping this salad with some seeds or nuts, such as sesame seeds or hemp seeds. You can also serve it with some tortilla chips on the side because it is a refreshing, sour and zesty kind of salad, almost like a crunchy salsa like dip.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- tofu – Pressed and cubed.
- veggies – Red onion, tomato, green chili, bell pepper, cucumber, radishes, and lettuce give this salad amazing flavors and crunch!
- cilantro – Brings fresh, herbal flavor to the mix.
- dressing – Lime juice, black pepper, salt, chaat masala, cumin, and maple syrup make a simple, Indian-spice vinaigrette. You can add cayenne for a little heat, too, if you want this to be spicier!
Tips
- Don’t skip pressing the tofu! Since we are not cooking it, pressing will give it the best texture.
- Definitely serve this salad immediately after making it. Leftovers will lose moisture and texture as they sit overnight in the fridge.
- You can add in some extra crunch and protein by topping this salad with some seeds or nuts, such as sesame seeds or hemp seeds. You can also serve it with some tortilla chips on the side because it is a refreshing, sour and zesty kind of salad, almost like a side salad or dip.
How to Make Chaat Masala Salad
Chop up all of the veggies and tofu, if you haven’t already, and add them to a large bowl.
In a small bowl, add all of the ingredients for the dressing and mix really well.
Add the dressing into the salad bowl and toss really well to coat, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chaat masala is an Indian spice blend that you can find in Indian stores or online.
If you don’t have chaat masala, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of Indian sulphur salt (Kala namak) and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin instead.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, oil-free, and nut-free. To make this without soy, use 1.25 cups cooked chickpeas instead.
Fabulous
🙂
Do you have a brand of chaat masala seasoning that you recommend?
chunky or Everest
I made this several times during the summer heat wave, when I couldn’t bear to turn on the stove. We loved it! So refreshing!
yay! so glad you like it!
I made this tonight. Fabulous, fresh salad with a gentle, non-oily dressing. All elements complimented each other. Refreshing!
Yay! Thanks for commenting.
very tasty! I ate it like a taco, with taco shells!
Yay!
This was so refreshing! I had chaat masala on hand that I hadn’t used before. It’s such a great flavor. The smell does take getting used to, but it doesn’t show up in the dressing. Only the amazing flavor!
Yay so glad you loved it!