Fresh, crunchy, light, and loaded with nutrition – Cabbage Chana Dal Salad is the perfect no-oil, protein-packed, and fiber-rich dish that makes a delightful side or a wholesome snack. Whether you're aiming for a healthy diet, weight loss, or simply a break from heavy meals, this salad is a flavorful addition to your Indian-style meal plan.
In this blog post, you’ll discover everything about this easy-to-make salad – including its ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional benefits, customizations, and serving tips. Perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, or evening cravings, it’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.
📝 Table of Contents
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Introduction
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Why You’ll Love This Salad
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Ingredients
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Preparation – Step by Step
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Tips for the Perfect Salad
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Variations to Try
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Health Benefits
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Serving Suggestions
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Storage Instructions
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FAQs
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Final Thoughts
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Tags and Hashtags
🥄 Introduction
Salads in Indian cuisine often go beyond leafy greens. One such vibrant, textural, and wholesome example is Cabbage Chana Dal Salad – a South Indian-inspired dish traditionally known as Kosambari or Kosumalli. It combines finely chopped cabbage, soaked chana dal (Bengal gram), grated carrots, and a flavorful tempering with mustard seeds and green chili.
This salad is not only flavorful but incredibly nourishing. It's commonly prepared during festivals like Rama Navami, but it's also a favorite among those seeking clean eating.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Salad
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Easy to make – Minimal prep with no cooking (except optional tempering).
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High in protein and fiber – Thanks to chana dal and cabbage.
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Low calorie – Great for weight management.
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Customizable – Add vegetables, fruits, or spices of your choice.
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Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh when stored properly.
Whether you’re a salad skeptic or a health food enthusiast, this one might become a regular feature on your table.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for 2-3 servings:
Base Ingredients:
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1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
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¼ cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked for 2–3 hours
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1 medium carrot, grated
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1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
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2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
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Salt, to taste
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Juice of ½ lemon (or as per taste)
Optional Tempering:
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1 tsp oil (preferably coconut oil)
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1 tsp mustard seeds
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1 dried red chili, broken
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A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
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5–6 curry leaves
👩🍳 Preparation – Step by Step
🔹 Step 1: Soak Chana Dal
Rinse and soak chana dal in water for 2–3 hours or until slightly soft but still retains a bite. Drain completely.
🔹 Step 2: Chop and Grate
Finely shred cabbage and grate the carrot. Chop green chilies and coriander.
🔹 Step 3: Combine the Base
In a mixing bowl, add the cabbage, soaked chana dal, grated carrot, green chilies, coriander, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well.
🔹 Step 4: Prepare the Tempering (Optional but Recommended)
Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add dried red chili, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Pour this tempering over the salad and mix immediately.
🔹 Step 5: Let It Rest
Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
🔹 Step 6: Serve Fresh
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Enjoy as a snack, side dish, or light meal.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Salad
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Soaking Chana Dal: Don't over-soak. It should be soft yet crunchy.
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Avoid watery cabbage: Pat dry the cabbage after washing.
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Tempering adds flavor: If you're avoiding oil, you can skip it, but it really elevates the taste.
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Use a food processor: To save time on shredding cabbage and grating carrot.
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Lemon vs. Yogurt: You can replace lemon with a bit of plain yogurt for a different flavor profile.
🧄 Variations to Try
You can jazz up your Cabbage Chana Dal Salad in many ways:
🌽 Add-Ins:
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Grated cucumber for hydration
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Pomegranate seeds for sweetness
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Toasted peanuts or roasted sesame seeds for crunch
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Fresh coconut for South Indian flair
🍋 Flavor Twists:
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Add chaat masala for a tangy, street-food taste
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Sprinkle roasted cumin powder for warmth
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Use mint leaves for a refreshing twist
🥣 Meal Variations:
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Make a Buddha bowl: Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or tofu
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Wrap in whole wheat roti for a healthy lunch roll
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Add into lettuce cups for a party appetizer
🩺 Health Benefits
Cabbage Chana Dal Salad is not just tasty—it’s a nutritional powerhouse.
🥬 Cabbage:
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Low in calories
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Rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants
🌿 Chana Dal:
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Excellent plant-based protein
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Stabilizes blood sugar levels
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Supports heart health
🥕 Carrot:
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Great source of Vitamin A and beta-carotene
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Good for eye health
🍋 Lemon Juice:
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Aids digestion
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Boosts vitamin C intake
This salad is diabetic-friendly, heart-healthy, gluten-free, and can be made vegan if you skip the yogurt alternative.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to enjoy your Cabbage Chana Dal Salad:
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As a mid-morning snack or light dinner
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On the side of dal-rice, khichdi, or sabzi-roti
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In a lunchbox with chapati or brown rice
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As a starter before your main meal
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Alongside buttermilk or a bowl of yogurt
Pair it with a glass of fresh lime water for a hydrating, detoxifying combo!
🧊 Storage Instructions
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Don’t freeze: The texture will degrade.
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Lemon & Salt: Add just before serving to avoid sogginess.