How to Make Indian Chickpea Salad with Yoghurt (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Indian Chickpea Salad with Yoghurt, locally known as 'Chana Dahi Chaat', is a vibrant, protein-packed dish originating from North India. This refreshing salad blends the earthiness of boiled kabuli chana (chickpeas) with the creamy tang of dahi (curd/yoghurt), garnished with fresh vegetables and a medley of Indian spices. Traditionally served as a light lunch or as a starter during festivals such as Holi and Diwali, it’s a testament to the Indian love for chaat-style snacks that are both tasty and wholesome. The recipe reflects the North Indian penchant for quick, nutritious meals that don’t compromise on flavor. The addition of dahi not only cools the palate but also enhances the nutritional profile, making this salad a favorite during the summer months. With a perfect balance of textures—crunchy onions, juicy tomatoes, and soft chickpeas—this dish is sure to delight every member of the family. It’s naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted for various dietary needs, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals looking for an authentic Indian lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Boiled kabuli chana (chickpeas) (Soaked overnight and boiled)
- 1/2 cup Fresh dahi (yoghurt) (Low-fat or homemade)
- 1/2 cup Cucumber (Finely chopped; kheera)
- 1/3 cup Tomato (De-seeded and chopped; tamatar)
- 1/4 cup Onion (Finely chopped; pyaaz)
- 1 Green chili (Finely chopped; hari mirch)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves (Chopped; dhania)
- 1/2 tsp Chaat masala (For tangy flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Roasted cumin powder (Bhuna jeera powder)
- 1/4 tsp Black salt (Kala namak)
- 1 tsp Lemon juice (Nimbu ka ras)
- to taste Salt
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Soak kabuli chana overnight and pressure cook until soft (3-4 whist...
Soak kabuli chana overnight and pressure cook until soft (3-4 whistles). Drain and cool.
Step 2 · In a large mixing bowl
In a large mixing bowl, add boiled chana, chopped kheera, tamatar, and pyaaz.
Step 3 · Add finely chopped hari mirch (if using) and dhania to the bowl
Add finely chopped hari mirch (if using) and dhania to the bowl.
Step 4 · Sprinkle chaat masala
Sprinkle chaat masala, bhuna jeera powder, kala namak, and regular salt over the mixture.
Step 5 · Add fresh dahi (yoghurt) and lemon juice
Add fresh dahi (yoghurt) and lemon juice. Mix all ingredients gently until well coated.
Step 6 · Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed
Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with extra dhania.
Step 7 · Optional: Chill the salad for 10 minutes before serving for enhance...
Optional: Chill the salad for 10 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
Why this recipe is healthy
Chana Dahi Chaat is a healthy lunch option because it uses boiled chickpeas for sustained energy, low-fat dahi for protein and gut health, and fresh vegetables for micronutrients. The absence of deep frying and minimal use of oil makes it a perfect fit for weight management and heart health. It’s naturally vegetarian and adaptable for various dietary needs.
A note on tradition
In North India, Chana Dahi Chaat is a popular street food and homemade snack, especially loved in Punjab and Delhi. It’s often served during Holi or as a cooling mid-day meal in the summer. The use of chickpeas reflects the region’s agricultural traditions, while dahi is a staple in Indian households. This salad is not just a dish, but a celebration of Indian flavors and local produce.