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Tomato Salad with Tarka Dressing in a white bowl

Tomato Salad with Indian-Style Tarka Dressing

A bright tomato salad finished with a sizzling Indian-style tarka of cumin, mustard seeds, garlic, chili, and warm spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired, Vegetarian
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Tomato Salad
  • 4 large ripe tomatoes cut into wedges or thick slices
  • 0.5 red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
Tarka Dressing
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 0.5 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 green chili thinly sliced, optional
  • 0.25 tsp ground turmeric
  • 0.5 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.25 tsp red chili flakes optional
  • 0.5 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Small skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. Arrange tomatoes and red onion in a wide bowl or on a serving platter. Sprinkle with salt and lime juice.
  2. Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Cook for 20–30 seconds until fragrant and the mustard seeds begin to pop.
  4. Add sliced garlic and green chili. Cook briefly until the garlic turns lightly golden.
  5. Remove from the heat and stir in turmeric, ground coriander, chili flakes, and sugar if using.
  6. Immediately spoon the hot tarka dressing over the tomatoes and onions.
  7. Scatter with fresh cilantro, gently toss, and serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 310mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 28IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Use ripe but firm tomatoes so the salad stays juicy without becoming watery. Add the hot tarka immediately before serving for the best aroma and texture.

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