How to Make Hung Curd Paneer Salad (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Hung Curd Paneer Salad is a refreshing and nutritious North Indian dish, perfect for lunch during the warmer months. Originating from the Punjab region, it combines creamy hung curd (chakka) and soft paneer (cottage cheese), tossed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Traditionally served as a light meal or side, this salad is a staple in health-conscious Indian households, especially during festivals like Holi or as a cooling accompaniment in summer thalis. The dish celebrates the richness of Indian dairy, using homemade dahi strained to perfection for hung curd, and fresh paneer often made from locally sourced milk. Its vibrant colors and flavors are a testament to Indian culinary diversity, with each bite offering a mix of tangy, spicy, and creamy textures. Hung Curd Paneer Salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite for busy families and those tracking their calorie intake. Its adaptability to regional tastes—such as adding chaat masala in Delhi or kasuri methi in Punjab—adds to its popularity across the country. This salad is ideal for lunch, providing sustained energy and keeping you full without heaviness. It fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet and can be customized for festivals or everyday meals. Whether served during Navratri fasting or as a light meal after a festive feast, Hung Curd Paneer Salad is a wholesome, authentic Indian recipe that brings together tradition, taste, and health.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Prepare hung curd by straining dahi overnight in a muslin cloth unt...
Prepare hung curd by straining dahi overnight in a muslin cloth until thick and creamy.
Step 2 · Cut paneer into small cubes
Cut paneer into small cubes. If desired, lightly toss paneer cubes in a tawa for 2 minutes to enhance texture.
Step 3 · Finely chop cucumber
Finely chop cucumber, tomato, carrot, capsicum, onion, and green chili. Grate carrot for extra crunch.
Step 4 · In a large mixing bowl
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped vegetables, paneer cubes, and hung curd.
Step 5 · Add roasted cumin powder
Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, salt, and chaat masala. Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice.
Step 6 · Toss all ingredients well until the salad is evenly coated with hun...
Toss all ingredients well until the salad is evenly coated with hung curd.
Step 7 · Garnish with extra coriander leaves and a pinch of chaat masala bef...
Garnish with extra coriander leaves and a pinch of chaat masala before serving.
Step 8 · Enjoy Hung Curd Paneer Salad as a light lunch or festive snack
Enjoy Hung Curd Paneer Salad as a light lunch or festive snack.
Why this recipe is healthy
This salad is a healthy choice because it combines protein-rich paneer and probiotic hung curd with fiber-filled vegetables. It is low in calories, supports weight management, and is ideal for vegetarians seeking balanced nutrition. No deep-frying or heavy oils are involved, making it heart-friendly. The use of spices like cumin and coriander not only adds flavor but also boosts metabolism and digestion, making it perfect for those tracking their macros.
A note on tradition
Hung Curd Paneer Salad is a modern adaptation of traditional dahi-based salads, popular in North Indian households. It is often enjoyed during festivals like Holi and Navratri, where light and refreshing dishes are favored. In Punjab, hung curd is called chakka and is used in various snacks and salads. The salad is typically eaten as a lunch or side dish and is served chilled, making it ideal for Indian summers. Regional variations may include the use of kasuri methi or pomegranate seeds for added flavor.