Cottage Cheese Salad (Paneer Salad)
Whether it's hot or cold outside, Cottage Cheese Salad is a great choice.
It's refreshing, packed with nutrients, and super easy to make.
With lots of protein and low carbs, it's perfect if you want a healthy meal.
Have it as a side or a light lunch—it's delicious either way.
Plus, you can enjoy...
Ingredients
For Green Chutney
- 1cupCoriander Leaves
- 1cupMint Leaves
- 1medium-sized Onion
- 2Green Chillies
- 1/2tspSalt
- 1/2tbspGinger Garlic Paste
- 2tbspLemon Juice
For Salad
- 250gIndian Cottage Cheese (Paneer) (cubed)
- 2tbspOlive Oil
- 1tspSalt
- 1/2tspBlack Pepper Powder
- 1tspRed Chilli Flakes
- 1Onion (cubed)
- 1Carrot (diced)
- 1Capsicum (cubed) (stems & seeds removed)
- 4Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 100gSalad Leaves
How to make Cottage Cheese Salad (Paneer Salad)
Prepare the green chutney by blending coriander leaves, mint leaves, onion, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and lemon juice until it forms a smooth paste. Adjust the texture by adding water if necessary. Set this aside for later use.
In a bowl, combine the cubed paneer with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, black pepper powder, red chilli flakes, and 4 tablespoons of the prepared green chutney. Let the paneer marinate in this mixture for 15-20 minutes.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and brush it with the remaining olive oil.
Grill the marinated paneer cubes until they achieve a light golden-brown colour with grill marks on each side. Once done, set them aside.
Using the same pan, add a touch more oil if required. Sauté the cubed onion, diced carrot, and cubed capsicum until they become slightly caramelized yet retain a crunch. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before assembly.
To assemble the salad, arrange the salad leaves on a large platter. Place the grilled paneer, crunchy sautéed vegetables and cherry tomatoes on top.
Drizzle some olive oil over the assembled salad and sprinkle chat masala for added flavour.
Serve the salad with extra green chutney on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Store-bought green chutney is a convenient alternative to making fresh chutney.
Leftovers from this dish work wonderfully as fillings for wraps or sandwiches for a quick, delicious meal.
Adjust the seasoning and chutney quantities according to your taste preferences.
This recipe yields around 4 servings, depending on portion sizes and whether it's served as a main dish or a side.
FAQS
How do I prepare the green chutney for Cottage Cheese Salad?
To prepare the green chutney for your Cottage Cheese Salad, blend together 1 cup of coriander leaves, 1 cup of mint leaves, a medium-sized onion, 2 green chillies, 0.5 tsp of salt, 0.5 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste, and 2 tbsp of lemon juice until smooth. You can adjust the texture by adding water if necessary.
Can I make Cottage Cheese Salad vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this Cottage Cheese Salad vegan by substituting the Indian cottage cheese (paneer) with tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, ensuring you still enjoy a refreshing and nutritious salad.
What are some good storage tips for leftover Cottage Cheese Salad?
To store leftover Cottage Cheese Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days. However, it's best to keep the salad leaves separate from the other ingredients to maintain their crunchiness until you're ready to eat.
What can I pair with Cottage Cheese Salad for a complete meal?
Cottage Cheese Salad pairs well with whole grain bread, quinoa, or brown rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for added protein, making it a balanced and satisfying option.
How long should I marinate the paneer for the Cottage Cheese Salad?
You should marinate the cubed paneer in the green chutney mixture for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the paneer, enhancing the overall taste of your Cottage Cheese Salad.
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Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨ Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨...
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