Share
There are days when one does not have enough time but is still hungry for something fulfilling and healthy, a quick paneer salad can work the best. Paneer is a versatile Indian cheese which has a high protein content, along with calcium, and therefore is good to include in salads as it will be both filling and healthy. From zesty refreshing flavours to full veggie combinations, these salads bring fresh ingredients and tasty dressings together to create dishes that can be great for any time of the day. Paneer salads come with great diversity of textures and flavours, so they fit your mood: you could crave something light and tangy, and rich and comforting. Here are easy, luscious paneer salads you can prepare in a jiffy, delivering all the nourishment and taste you need without hours in the kitchen.
Classic Paneer and Veggie Salad
This light and satisfying salad makes use of fresh veggies combined with cubes of paneer. It creates a colourful and refreshing meal. Toss diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, and cubes of paneer together. Drizzle with olive oil and then add a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, and if you like, a dash of lemon juice to give it that tanginess. It's crunchy and light and is so great as a speedy snack or a complement to lunch or dinner. The freshness of the veggies goes well with the creamy texture of paneer.
Paneer Tikka Salad
For a smoky, flavourful twist, marinate paneer in the mixture of yoghurt, turmeric, cumin, chilli powder, and garam masala. Pan fry them until they get golden brown and serve them as warm paneer tikka over mixed greens, thinly sliced cucumber and julienned carrots, dolloped with mint yoghurt dressing for the added freshness. This salad is hearty and flavour-packed, giving you a taste of desiness in every bite without too much prep work.
Grilled Paneer and Quinoa Salad
It is a very power-packed combination of quinoa and paneer. Grill the paneer until lightly charred and toss it with cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, red onions, and spinach. Add a handful of cherry tomatoes and drizzle with a lemon and olive oil dressing, seasoned with salt and black pepper. This is a protein-rich, nutrient-dense salad that's both delicious and very satisfying. The nutty flavour of quinoa complements the soft, creamy paneer so nicely.
Mediterranean Paneer Salad
This is a Mediterranean-inspired paneer salad fresh, tangy, and full of zesty flavours. Start with a base of chopped cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and olives. Add chunks of paneer, some oregano, and crumbled feta cheese if you like. Then dress it with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This salad is full of Mediterranean flavours and the addition of paneer gives a punch of protein to make it really blend well with fresh and juicy veggies and savoury olives.
Spicy Paneer and Mango Salad
This is a refreshing, tropical version that marries the sweet mango with the mild spiciness of paneer. Toss all the ingredients including ripe mango cubes, pan-fried paneer, lightly spiced using chilli powder and cumin, and mixed greens like rocket or baby spinach. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch, and complete it with honey-lime dressing. The spiciness in the paneer is perfectly balanced with sweetness from the mango, making it a great summer day or craving for something sweeter.
Asian-Inspired Paneer and Cabbage Salad
For an Asian take, make a simple cabbage and paneer salad with a sesame-soy dressing. Begin with thinly sliced cabbage, shredded carrots and spring onions, along with cubes of lightly grilled paneer. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, squeeze of lime juice in a small bowl and toss into the salad. Toss in some sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and top with fresh coriander. Lovely light crunchy salads on their own, lightly tossed in salad dressings with just a hint of umami through the richness of the paneer.
