Have you ever tried kadhi? It’s a popular Indian yogurt sauce, often enjoyed with rice or pakoras, known for its creamy texture and fragrant spices. Today, we’re taking those delicious flavors and giving them a fresh spin in a vibrant salad that will tantalize your taste buds!
This Kadhi Dressing Salad is light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a flavorful side dish, or even a unique and impressive starter for your next gathering.
Gather Your Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas (optional, for added protein)
For the Kadhi Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Pinch of asafoetida (hing, optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk
- Small saucepan
Let’s Make the Salad:
1. Preparing the Kadhi Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, water, and gram flour until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and asafoetida (if using). Once the cumin seeds splutter, add grated ginger and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir for a few seconds.
- Pour the yogurt mixture into the saucepan and whisk continuously.
- Cook the dressing for about 5-7 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently, until it slightly thickens. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and let the dressing cool completely.
2. Assembling the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Once the dressing has cooled, pour it over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine, ensuring all the vegetables are coated evenly.
3. Plating and Serving:
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and roasted chickpeas (if using).
- Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Indian-inspired flavors!
Kadhi Dressing Salad
Tips and Notes:
- For a vegan version, substitute the yogurt with plant-based yogurt.
- If the dressing becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired thickness.
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Some delicious additions could include bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even chopped apples for a touch of sweetness.
- To make ahead, prepare the dressing and store it separately in the refrigerator. Chop the vegetables and assemble the salad just before serving.
Making Kadhi Dressing
This Kadhi Dressing Salad is a wonderful way to experience the vibrant flavors of India in a light and refreshing way. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
We’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any interesting variations? Let us know in the comments below! Happy cooking!
