Bright, refreshing, and irresistibly zesty, Kachumbari is a classic East African salad that brings bold flavors to your table in just 20 minutes! This vibrant dish features juicy ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy lime juice, and a touch of heat from fresh chili pepper, all balanced by the earthy aroma of cilantro. A quick salt treatment softens the red onions for a mellow sweetness, while olive oil ties the ingredients together with a silky finish. Kachumbari is entirely no-cook, making it perfect for warm days or effortless meals. Serve it as a colorful side dish, pair it with grilled meats, or enjoy it as a light, flavor-packed appetizer. With its fresh ingredients and easy preparation, this popular African tomato salad is a must-try for fans of healthy, globally-inspired cuisine!
Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Place the slices in a small bowl with the salt, and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This will help to soften and mellow the onions' sharp flavor.
While the onion is marinating in the salt, wash and core the tomatoes, then dice them into small cubes.
Peel and dice the cucumber into small pieces to match the size of the tomato cubes.
Rinse the cilantro leaves thoroughly, then chop them finely.
Slice the fresh chili pepper lengthwise, remove the seeds and core for a milder heat, then dice finely. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
Juice the lime, ensuring you remove any seeds.
After 5 minutes, rinse the onions in cool water to wash away the salt and drain them thoroughly.
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, rinsed onions, chopped cilantro, and diced chili pepper.
Pour the lime juice and olive oil over the vegetable mixture and gently toss the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
Taste the salad and adjust the salt if necessary. Allow the kachumbari to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Calories |
310 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.0 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1225 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.1 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.0 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.5 g | ||
| Protein | 7.5 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 156 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 1613 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.