Looking for a fresh, crunchy side dish that’s as healthy as it is flavorful? Cabbage Kachumber Salad might be just what your meal needs. Inspired by the classic Indian kachumber, this version uses finely shredded cabbage as the base, combining crisp texture with bold, zesty flavors. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and a great way to add more veggies to your plate.
Kachumber is a traditional Indian salad made with chopped raw vegetables like cucumber, onion, and tomato, dressed simply with lemon juice, salt, and spices. In this cabbage twist, the mild sweetness and crunch of cabbage provide the perfect backdrop for those punchy kachumber elements. You’ll often find red onion, green chilies, grated carrots, and chopped cilantro mixed in for added flavor, color, and heat.
The beauty of this salad is its balance – lemon juice adds brightness, a bit of chili gives it a kick, and chaat masala or cumin can add that hint of spice that ties it all together. You can adjust it to your taste, whether you want something mild and tangy or spicy and bold.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Cabbage is high in fiber and vitamin C, and the raw vegetables offer enzymes and antioxidants. It’s light but satisfying, making it a perfect accompaniment to rich curries, grilled meats, or dal and rice. It’s also great on its own as a midday snack.
To make it ahead, prep the veggies and keep them chilled, but wait to add the salt and lemon juice until just before serving. This keeps the cabbage crisp and the flavors fresh.
Whether you’re serving it alongside Indian dishes or just need a flavorful way to use up extra cabbage, this Cabbage Kachumber Salad is fast, fresh, and full of zing. You’ll want to keep it on repeat.

Ingredients
- cabbage small, shredded
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 tomato finely chopped
- 1 cucumber finely chopped
- 1 green chili finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- salt to taste
- coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chili.
- Add lemon juice, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cabbage gives me gas. Can’t eat this, sorry!
I totally get it! Cabbage can be a little rough on the stomach for some. Maybe try substituting with lettuce? Still sounds delicious!
Cabbage Kachumber? never heard of it. I always just make coleslaw. What’s chaat masala?
Yum, yum! This is like a party on my plate. Will make it again for sure!
Just wow! Simple ingredients but full of flavor! 😍
Totally agree! I made this last night and it was a hit! Who knew something so simple could taste so good? 🌟
Hmmm… I think the onion is too much. 😒
This salad is fantastic! So refreshing and easy to make. Will be adding it to my weekly meal prep.
I tried this salad and it was okay, but I feel like it needs something more, maybe avocado?
I made this for a picnic and it was a hit! Everyone loved it!
First time I made cabbage salad. Did I mess it up? It didn’t taste right.
I don’t get why you would mix raw cabbage with chili. Seems too weird. Might stick to my usual salads.
Cabbage is good for health! Great recipe! I will teach my daughter to make this.
That’s awesome! Teaching kids to cook is so important. Cabbage is super healthy too!
Yum! I added some avocado and it was delish. Perfect for summer!
Salads r boring. But this one looks colorful, maybe I’ll try it. 🤔
Trust me, it’s way better than you think! The chaat masala adds such a kick. 🌶️
Way too much onion for my taste. I think next time I’ll leave it out.
Too tangy for my taste. I prefer less lemon. Can I use vinegar instead?
I think vinegar would be fine! It might change the taste a bit, but it’s worth a try if you want less tanginess.
I didn’t have chaat masala, so I tried using taco seasoning… didn’t turn out great. 😅
I made this without the chaat masala, and it still turned out pretty good! Nice recipe!
Easy to make and fresh! Just add a bit more chaat masala next time.
I dunno, I thought that was too much lemon juice. Made it taste weird. But I guess if you like tangy…
Totally agree! The chaat masala really brings it out. I’ve made it twice already, it’s a hit at my parties!
My family loved this salad! Will make it again. 👍
I was skeptical about chaat masala in a salad, but it really works! I’m impressed.
Cabbage?? I hate that stuff, but my son liked it! 😅
Tasty and healthy. Everyone in my family loved it! Will make again.
I don’t know… Cabbage? Really? My kids wouldn’t touch that. Better luck next time!
I’m glad to hear your family enjoyed it! It’s such a refreshing dish.
I tried making this but I forgot the chaat masala. It was kinda bland, to be honest.
Why is it called Kachumber? I thought that was a dance move? 😂
Quick n easy! Love the crunch of the cabbage. Perfect for summer days!
Cabbage?? Nah. LOL! Not my thing. Giving this a 1. No thanks!
I mixed in some quinoa for extra protein. Twas good, but a bit heavy.
This salad is refreshing and simple! Loved the crunch of the cabbage!
Why does everyone rave about this? It’s just chopped veggies. Not impressed.
Quick and easy. I made it in 10 mins! Great for a last-minute side dish.
Can I substitute the cucumbers for something else? Allergic!
This was a total flop. The onions were too strong!
This salad is so refreshing! I love the crunch of the cabbage. Just what I needed for summer.
Y’all, I used red cabbage instead, and it was still good. Just sayin!
Genius idea! Added some diced mango and it was a hit at the party!
Honestly, too much chaat masala for my taste. I prefer it without all that spice.
Cabbage? Really? I thought this was some kind of joke. But it tastes pretty good, I guess.
Too bland for me, needs more flavor or maybe some dressing.
I actually found it pretty tasty! Maybe you just need to adjust the spices to your liking. Give it another try with more chaat masala or even some yogurt dressing.
This is not authentic Indian food at all. Real kachumber has more than just this! But I guess it looks fine.
I added some carrots and it was lit! Never thought cabbage could taste this good.
Carrots? That’s a great twist! I never thought of adding them. Will definitely try it next time!
This salad is so fresh and zesty! Loved it. Definitely a keeper!
Super easy and a great side dish. My kids actually loved it! Who knew? 😊
I added a little vinegar for a tangy kick. YUM!
It’s just chopped veggies? Not sure this counts as a recipe. But okay…
Hmm, I don’t know. Seems too simple to be tasty…
I thought the same at first, but it’s surprisingly refreshing! The lemon and chaat masala really bring it to life. You should give it a try!
Too much onion for my taste. I think less would be better. I didn’t taste the rest.
Delicious! I added some carrots for color and crunch. Yum!
Cabbage? Really? There are so many better veggies! Don’t get the hype.
Absolutely delicious! Perfect side for spicy dishes.
This salad is so refreshing! I love the crunch of the cabbage. Definitely adding this to my summer recipes!