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Indian Herb Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Indian Herb Salad

Indian Herb Salad is a familiar presence on the home tables across India, a dish that celebrates the simple joy of fresh ingredients and communal eating. The recipe reflects the intuitive cooking style of Indian home kitchens, where salt is sprinkled with a practiced hand and olive oil is poured without restraint. This version captures the essence of how it's lovingly prepared for family meals.

The salad offers a refreshing burst of flavors, with mixed greens and herbs mingling in a vibrant harmony. The olive oil adds a rich depth, while a squeeze of lemon lifts the entire dish with its bright acidity. Seasoned just right with fine sea salt, it's an ideal companion to any meal, inviting diners to dive in and savor each bite.

Ingredients

  • 150 gmixed greens
  • 60 mlolive oil
  • lemonjuiced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by washing 150 g of mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Use a salad spinner to dry them well, as excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Once dry, place the greens in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Next, prepare the herbs. Choose a mix of fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and dill, which are commonly used in Indian cooking. Roughly chop a handful of each herb and add them to the bowl with the greens. The herbs should be fresh and fragrant, adding a burst of flavor to the salad.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 60 ml of olive oil with the juice of one lemon. Whisk them together until they are well emulsified. This will be the dressing for your salad, providing a bright and tangy flavor that complements the fresh herbs.
  4. Pour the dressing over the greens and herbs in the mixing bowl. Sprinkle fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount and add more if needed, tasting as you go to ensure the seasoning is balanced and enhances the natural flavors of the greens and herbs.
  5. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss the salad to coat the greens and herbs evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the leaves, as you want them to remain crisp and vibrant. The salad should look glossy and well-mixed, with each piece lightly dressed.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the greens and the aromatic herbs. Pair the salad with warm bread to soak up any remaining dressing, making it a delightful addition to your meal.
Cover of Authentic Indian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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