Summer salad

We Indians eat a lot of hot and spicy dishes around here, a great way to cool the palate is with the delicious combination of yogurt and cucumber. This easy-to-make cucumber salad, also called kachumber, is a refreshing accompaniment to spicy dishes such as biryanis and other Indian food. I have used Iceberg Lettuce, carrots ,beetroot and tomatoes which is a great combination for a salad. Coriander leaves lends a very nice aroma and taste to this salad. The yoghurt and a tinge of sugar makes it a perfect dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Hung curd
• 1/2 cup Fresh cream
• 1 cup Cucumber ,peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup Carrots,Finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Onions,finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Tomatoes,Finely chopped
• 2tbsp Beetroot,finely chopped
• 1 cup Grapes (green and white),
• 1 bunch iceberg lettuce
• 1tsp lemon juice
• 2 Oranges,
• 1/4 cup Pomegranate seeds
• 1tsp Pepper powder
• 2tbsp Coriander leaves,chopped
• 1/2 cup Cherry tomatoes, preferably orange coloured,cut into half
• 1tsp Sugar

Cooking Directions

For yoghurt dressing:

•  Beat hung curd,fresh cream and pepper till light and glossy.
• Add sugar and salt and give a nice beat.Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Now combine all the chopped vegetables in a bowl and add lemon juice, mix it well with a spoon.Then add 1/2 of the pomegranate seeds and mix it well with the other chopped vegetable and chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

To serve the salad:

• Nicely arrange the iceberg lettuce on a serving tray.
• Combine curd mixture with vegetable salad and mix it lightly with a fork or spoon ,check for seasoning,then slowly put all the salad in the center over the bed of lettuce.
• Carefully arrange all the fruits as shown in the picture and serve chilled.
• Sprinkle some chat masala and some lemon juice for that extra punch!

Tips:

1. First taste the cucumbers to make sure that they are not bitter. Depending on the variety of cucumber you are using, and many other factors, you may find a cucumber that is distinctly bitter in taste. If this happens, soak the cucumber slices in salted water for half an hour, or longer, until the bitterness is reduced, then rinse and drain before using.
2. Always place in ice cold water so that it remains crisp in texture.Iceberg lettuce makes a beautifully crisp, fresh and tasty base for salads.

V

ariations: 

you can try this salad with different vegetables like boiled green peas and potatoes or with some fresh sprouts and fruits of your choice.