Sweet and Sour Salad

Sweet and Sour Salad Recipe from India with Cucumber, Tomatoes, Onions, and More

Region / culture: India | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a delicious sweet and sour dressing that will tantalize your taste buds.

History

Sweet and Sour Salad has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The combination of sweet and sour flavors has been a staple in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Thai dishes. This salad is a modern twist on the classic sweet and sour flavors, using fresh and vibrant ingredients to create a delicious and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

1 cucumber, thinly sliced
6 tomatoes, chopped
2 onions, chopped
2 green chilies, chopped
0.5 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp coriander leaves
2 tbsp sugar or jaggery
marble size of tamarind
salt to taste

How to prepare

Soak tamarind in 2 tbsp of hot water for 5 minutes.
Squeeze and strain out the thick tamarind juice.
Combine salt, chili powder, sugar, and strained tamarind juice with the chopped vegetables.
Stir well and refrigerate the vegetables until needed.
Serve with slices of bread.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or pineapple for extra sweetness and crunch.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for the jaggery for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped mint or basil for a fresh herbaceous twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thinly slice the cucumber to ensure that it absorbs the flavors of the dressing.

- Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder and chilies to suit your spice preference.

- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sweet and Sour Salad as a side dish or as a light and refreshing main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. Simply chop the vegetables, mix the dressing, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown sugar or coconut sugar instead of jaggery.

- Use lemon juice as a substitute for tamarind.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sweet and Sour Salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh coriander leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a light and crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the vegetables may become mushy. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 70 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0.5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. However, it may contain allergens such as sulfites from the tamarind.

Summary

This Sweet and Sour Salad is a low-calorie and nutrient-dense dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Sweet and Sour Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Sweet and Sour Salad. The crisp and refreshing combination of flavors instantly caught my attention, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself. Little did I know that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire for years to come.

I first came across the recipe for Sweet and Sour Salad at a potluck dinner hosted by a group of ladies from my church. As I made my way through the buffet line, my eyes landed on a colorful bowl filled with a vibrant assortment of fruits and vegetables. Intrigued, I scooped a generous portion onto my plate and took a tentative bite. The explosion of flavors that hit my taste buds was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The sweetness of the fruits combined with the tangy vinegar dressing created a perfect balance that left me craving more.

After finishing my plate, I made a beeline for the woman who had brought the salad and begged her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions. I thanked her profusely and promised to make it for my own family soon.

When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work. I carefully chopped the apples, oranges, and pineapple, marveling at the bright colors and fresh scents that filled my kitchen. The tangy aroma of the vinegar dressing wafted through the air as I mixed it together with a hint of sugar to balance out the flavors.

As I took my first bite of the finished salad, I was transported back to that potluck dinner with the church ladies. The memories of laughter and fellowship flooded my mind, and I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.

Over the years, I have made Sweet and Sour Salad for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight my guests. I have even passed the recipe along to my own children and grandchildren, who have all fallen in love with its unique combination of flavors.

One of my favorite memories of making Sweet and Sour Salad was when my grandson, Tommy, asked me to teach him how to make it for a school project. I watched with pride as he carefully chopped the fruits and mixed the dressing, his young hands eager to learn the art of cooking from his beloved grandmother.

As we sat down to enjoy the salad together, Tommy beamed with pride at his creation. I could see the joy in his eyes as he took a bite and savored the flavors that he had worked so hard to create. In that moment, I knew that I had passed on not just a recipe, but a legacy of love and tradition that would live on for generations to come.

I am grateful for the many recipes that I have collected over the years, but Sweet and Sour Salad will always hold a special place in my heart. It represents not just a delicious dish, but a lifetime of memories, friendships, and love shared with those closest to me.

As I sit here reminiscing about the first time I made Sweet and Sour Salad, I am filled with gratitude for the simple joys that cooking has brought into my life. It is a reminder that the act of preparing a meal is not just about feeding the body, but nourishing the soul and creating lasting connections with those we hold dear.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, take a moment to savor the process of creating something delicious for your loved ones. You never know when a simple recipe might turn into a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.