Coriander chutney dressing salad – a vibrant, zesty, and incredibly refreshing dish that will have your taste buds singing! It’s amazing how a simple dressing, bursting with the fresh flavors of coriander and a hint of spice, can transform ordinary greens into a culinary masterpiece. This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, I promise you, this recipe is a breeze!
A Culinary Journey to India
My love affair with coriander chutney dressing began on a trip to India many years ago. The bustling streets were a sensory overload – the sights, the sounds, and most importantly, the smells! One particular aroma that captivated me was the intoxicating blend of freshly ground spices emanating from a small street food stall. Intrigued, I ventured closer and discovered a vendor tossing a vibrant green chutney with an assortment of vegetables. The aroma was simply irresistible! That day, I experienced the magic of coriander chutney, not just as a condiment, but as a star ingredient in a refreshing and flavorful salad.
Inspired by that unforgettable experience, I’ve recreated my own version of this delightful salad. Trust me, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Coriander Chutney Dressing:
- 1 cup tightly packed fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), washed and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 small green chili, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 inch ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water (add more if needed to achieve desired consistency)
- Salt to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Tools of the Trade:
- A blender or food processor
- A large salad bowl
- A small mixing bowl
Let’s Get Dressing:
Making the Coriander Chutney:
- In your blender or food processor, combine the coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chili, ginger, garlic, roasted peanuts, lemon juice, water, and salt.
- Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You can adjust the water content to achieve your desired thickness. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Assembling the Salad:
- In your large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Drizzle the prepared coriander chutney dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Tips & Tricks for Salad Success:
- Fresh is Best: For the most vibrant flavor, always use fresh coriander and mint leaves.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the green chili amount to your preference. Remember, a little goes a long way!
- Storage Savvy: Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Fresh Coriander Chutney Dressing in a Bowl
Presentation Perfection:
This salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! Here are a few ideas to make it even more visually appealing:
- Serve it Family Style: Arrange the salad on a large platter, creating a colorful and inviting centerpiece for your dining table.
- Individual Portions: Serve the salad in individual bowls or plates, making sure each portion gets a generous drizzle of the coriander chutney dressing.
- Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle some chopped cilantro, a wedge of lime, or a scattering of roasted peanuts on top of the salad for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Colorful Coriander Chutney Dressing Salad
Flavor Pairing Suggestions:
Looking for some delicious pairings to complement your coriander chutney dressing salad? Here are a few ideas:
- Tofu Salad: The light and refreshing flavors of this salad pair perfectly with our How to Make Tofu Salad recipe.
- Tamarind Chutney Dressing Salad: For a tangy and flavorful twist, try our How to Make Tamarind Chutney Dressing Salad recipe.
A Taste of India in Every Bite
There you have it – a simple, flavorful, and healthy salad recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite! This coriander chutney dressing is incredibly versatile, too. Use it as a marinade for tofu or chicken, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for vegetables.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic of coriander chutney for yourself. And don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience or any creative variations you come up with. Happy cooking!