These Indian Summer Salads Are the Ultimate Side Dish Glow-Up

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Light, crunchy and full of flavor, Indian summer salads are the refreshing sidekick your meals have been waiting for. Whether you're pairing them with dal and rice or adding them to a BBQ spread, these salads bring brightness and balance to the table. The best part? They are easy to throw together, require minimal ingredients, and actually taste better the longer they sit. Here are some of our favorite Indian-style salads and sides to keep things cool and crisp this season.

Indian Cucumber Peanut Salad

Cool, crunchy and lightly spiced with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chaat masala. This salad takes minutes to make and is perfect next to any spicy dish.

Get the recipe: Indian Cucumber Peanut Salad

Indian Pickled Onions

Delicious pickled onions in a bowl — Image Credit: Rachna cooks

These quick-pickled onions are tangy, vibrant and totally addictive. Just soak thin onion slices in vinegar, salt and a hint of sugar, done in 10 minutes.

Get the recipe: Indian Pickled Onions

Indian Cucumber Raita

A bowl of cucumber raita — Image Credit: Rachna cooks

Yogurt meets chopped cucumber, roasted cumin and salt in this cooling side that works with almost everything, especially spicy curries or grilled kebabs.

Get the recipe: Indian Cucumber Raita

Indian Carrot Salad

Grated raw carrot salad on a plate — Image Credit: Rachna cooks

Grated carrots tossed with lemon juice, mustard seeds and green chili. It's fresh, a little spicy and way more exciting than your average slaw.

Get the recipe: Indian Carrot Salad

Kala Chana Salad

This one is protein-packed, tangy and full of crunch from onions, tomatoes and cucumber. A filling salad that also works as a light lunch.

Get the recipe: Kala Chana Salad

Kosambari

A South Indian favorite made with soaked moong dal, grated cucumber, coconut and a quick mustard seed tempering. It is light, fresh and totally unique.

Get the recipe: Kosambari

Sprouted Lentil Salad

Nutty, crunchy and dressed with lemon and herbs. Sprouted lentils are full of fiber and protein, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.

Get the recipe: Sprouted Lentil Salad

Black Eyed Peas Salad

Boiled lobia tossed with onions, tomatoes and basic spices. It is hearty enough to be a meal but works just as well as a side dish.

Get the recipe: Black Eyed Peas Salad

Pickled Beets

Sweet, tangy and ridiculously easy. These beets are sliced thin and marinated with vinegar and spices, a colorful addition to any thali or grain bowl.

Get the recipe: Pickled Beets