Cucumber Salad with Roasted Chana
Lunch • India
How to Make Cucumber Salad with Roasted Chana (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Cucumber Salad with Roasted Chana, known as 'Kheera aur Bhuna Chana ka Salad' in Hindi, is a refreshing and nutritious dish that embodies the essence of contemporary Indian cuisine. This salad is a popular choice across India, especially in urban households looking for a quick, wholesome option for lunch or a light snack. The combination of crisp cucumber and crunchy roasted chana delivers a delightful texture and a burst of flavors, making it both satisfying and delicious. Cucumber has long been valued in Indian kitchens for its cooling properties, especially during hot summers and festive fasting days like Navratri, when light, sattvic meals are preferred. The salad features simple, locally available ingredients like kheera (cucumber), roasted chana (bhuna chana), tomatoes, onions, green chilies, fresh coriander, lemon juice, and traditional Indian spices such as kala namak and jeera powder. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packs a punch of nutrition, making it an ideal choice for those tracking their calories. Its simplicity and versatility allow it to be enjoyed as a side dish, light lunch, or even as a healthy chaat alternative during festival gatherings or family get-togethers.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl (approx. 200g per serving))
- 2 medium Cucumber (kheera) (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup Roasted chana (bhuna chana) (hulled/without skin)
- 1 medium Tomato (finely chopped)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped) - optional
- 1 Green chili (finely chopped, adjust to taste) - optional
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander (dhaniya) (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice (nimbu ras) (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 tsp Kala namak (black salt) (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Roasted cumin powder (bhuna jeera) (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/4 tsp Chaat masala (optional for extra flavor) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Wash and peel the cucumbers. Dice them into small cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
3 minutes
Use fresh, firm cucumbers for best crunch.
- 2
Add the roasted chana (bhuna chana) to the cucumber. Ensure chana is hulled for easier chewing.
2 minutes
Lightly crush chana for better texture if desired.
- 3
Add finely chopped tomato, onion, and green chili to the bowl.
3 minutes
Remove seeds from tomato to avoid excess water.
- 4
Sprinkle in kala namak, roasted jeera powder, and chaat masala (if using) for authentic Indian flavor.
2 minutes
Adjust masalas as per your taste preference.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This salad is low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with plant-based protein, making it perfect for weight management and digestive health. It contains no deep-fried ingredients or heavy dressings—just fresh, raw vegetables, roasted chana, and natural spices. The high fiber content keeps you full longer, helping curb unhealthy snacking. It’s also free from gluten and dairy, making it suitable for most dietary preferences.
Cucumber Salad with Roasted Chana is an excellent source of dietary fiber, plant protein, and essential vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamins. The roasted chana provides a boost of protein and complex carbohydrates with minimal fat, making it ideal for muscle recovery and energy. Cucumber hydrates and detoxifies the body, while tomatoes and onions add antioxidants like lycopene and quercetin. The use of lemon juice supplies vitamin C, supporting immunity, and the spices aid digestion.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Lightly crush roasted chana for easier chewing and better mixing.
- 💡Tip 2: Use chilled cucumber for an extra refreshing salad, especially in summer.
- 💡Tip 3: Add lemon juice right before serving to prevent cucumbers from becoming soggy.
Storage & Serving
Best consumed fresh. If storing, keep the chopped vegetables and roasted chana separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mix and season just before serving to maintain crunch. Consume within 24 hours.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 115.0 kcal |
