
Mixed Vegetable Salad with Paneer
Lunch • India
How to Make Mixed Vegetable Salad with Paneer (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Mixed Vegetable Salad with Paneer is a vibrant and nutritious Indian lunch dish that brings together the freshness of garden vegetables and the richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It is widely enjoyed across India, especially during the warm summer months and festive occasions like Holi and Diwali, where light and refreshing meals are preferred. This salad is a staple in many Indian households, often served as a side or a stand-alone meal for those seeking balanced nutrition without compromising on authentic flavors. The dish combines crisp veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and capsicum with soft, protein-rich paneer, all tossed in a tangy dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, and traditional spices like roasted jeera powder and kala namak (black salt). It is a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals, vegetarians, and those tracking their calorie intake. Mixed Vegetable Salad with Paneer offers a delightful blend of textures and colors, making it visually appealing and satisfying to eat. This Indian salad is not only easy to prepare but also highly adaptable, catering to regional tastes across North India, West India, and even urban cosmopolitan cities. It is a great option for lunchboxes, quick weekday meals, and festive spreads. The inclusion of paneer ensures that the dish is high in protein, while the fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Its popularity continues to grow as Indian families embrace healthy eating habits without sacrificing taste and tradition.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl per serving)
- 100 grams Paneer (fresh, homemade or store-bought)
- 1 medium Cucumber (kheera)
- 1 large Tomato (tamatar)
- 1 medium Carrot (gajar)
- 1 small Capsicum (shimla mirch)
- 1 small Onion (pyaz) - optional
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (nimbu ras)
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil (can use mustard oil (sarson ka tel) for regional flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Roasted cumin powder (bhuna jeera)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black salt (kala namak)
- 1 small Green chili (hari mirch, finely chopped) - optional
- 2 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves (dhaniya patta, chopped)
Instructions
- 1
Wash and peel all vegetables. Chop cucumber, tomato, carrot, capsicum, and onion into small cubes.
5 minutes
Use a sharp knife for uniform pieces, which makes the salad visually appealing.
- 2
Cut paneer into bite-sized cubes. If desired, lightly pan-fry paneer on a tawa for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor.
5 minutes
Frying paneer enhances taste but skip for a low-fat version.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables and paneer cubes.
3 minutes
Mix gently to avoid breaking the paneer.
- 4
Add lemon juice, olive oil, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and chopped green chili to the bowl.
3 minutes
Adjust spice and salt levels to suit your palate.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This dish is a smart choice for calorie-conscious eaters because it combines the nutritional benefits of paneer with fresh, fiber-rich vegetables. It is low in calories yet filling, thanks to protein and fiber. The absence of heavy oils and fried components makes it suitable for weight loss, diabetes management, and healthy lunch options. Its simple, natural ingredients align with traditional Indian dietary wisdom and modern health goals.
This Mixed Vegetable Salad with Paneer is packed with nutrients. Paneer provides high-quality protein and calcium, while vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and carrot offer fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. Olive oil adds healthy fats, and lemon juice boosts vitamin C. The salad is low in saturated fat and free of refined carbs, making it ideal for heart health, weight management, and muscle building. The use of kala namak and roasted cumin enhances digestion.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use homemade paneer for softer texture and better flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Lightly roasting cumin seeds before grinding enhances aroma.
- 💡Tip 3: Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving for extra freshness.
Storage & Serving
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Paneer may harden, so consume fresh for best texture.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 180.0 kcal |



