How to Make Indian Style Mixed Salad (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Indian Style Mixed Salad, known locally as 'Mili-Juli Salad', is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing dish found across homes and street corners in India. This salad brings together a medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables—like kheera (cucumber), tamatar (tomato), gajar (carrot), pyaz (onion), and more—tossed with a zesty lemon dressing and traditional masalas. It embodies the Indian ethos of eating fresh and local, making it a staple on lunch thalis, especially during the hot summer months. With roots in North Indian cuisine but enjoyed pan-India, this salad is a testament to India's love for quick, wholesome sides that energize and rejuvenate. It's commonly served during family meals, at weddings, or as part of festive spreads during festivals such as Holi and Makar Sankranti, where fresh produce symbolizes prosperity and health. The tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet taste profile, thanks to chaat masala and kala namak, makes it an irresistible accompaniment to dal chawal or roti sabzi. Indian Style Mixed Salad is not just a dish—it's a celebration of India's agricultural bounty and a go-to choice for anyone seeking a light, nutritious, and flavorful lunch option.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Wash all vegetables (kheera
Wash all vegetables (kheera, tamatar, gajar, pyaz, shimla mirch) thoroughly and pat dry.
Step 2 · Peel cucumber and carrot
Peel cucumber and carrot. Dice cucumber, tomato, and capsicum; grate or finely chop carrot; slice onion thinly.
Step 3 · In a large mixing bowl
In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables.
Step 4 · Add green chilli and fresh coriander to the bowl
Add green chilli and fresh coriander to the bowl.
Step 5 · Sprinkle chaat masala
Sprinkle chaat masala, kala namak, and roasted cumin powder over the veggies.
Step 6 · Drizzle fresh lemon juice evenly and toss everything gently to coat...
Drizzle fresh lemon juice evenly and toss everything gently to coat the vegetables with spices and juice.
Step 7 · Taste and adjust seasoning if required
Taste and adjust seasoning if required. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 10 minutes for a refreshing touch.
Why this recipe is healthy
This salad is a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a low-calorie, high-fiber way to increase vegetable intake. Its raw ingredients retain maximum nutrients, unlike cooked preparations. With no added sugar or unhealthy fats, it helps regulate blood sugar, supports weight loss, and keeps you full for longer. The inclusion of Indian spices like chaat masala also aids digestion, making it a truly healthy lunch choice.
A note on tradition
Mixed salads have been enjoyed in Indian households for generations, especially as part of North Indian thali meals. They are a common sight during festivals like Holi and Makar Sankranti when fresh produce is abundant. Each region adds its own twist—South India might add grated coconut, while in Gujarat, a dash of sugar is sometimes included. Often served at weddings and celebrations, this salad is a symbol of freshness and hospitality in Indian culture.