Maharashtrian Cucumber Salad, also known as Khamang Kakdi, is a refreshing and simple salad from the state of Maharashtra, India. It’s made with fresh cucumber, flavored with a tangy lemon dressing, and spiced with traditional Indian ingredients. The salad is crunchy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs, making it a perfect side dish for a hot day or as a healthy snack.
Here’s how you can make this delightful Maharashtrian Cucumber Salad:

Maharashtrian Cucumber Salad recipe | What is the Recipe of Maharashtrian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup cucumbers chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut fresh grated
- 1 tbsp peanuts / groundnuts dry roasted
- 1 green chilli chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves finely chopped
- Salt to taste
For Tempering
- 1/8 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1/8 tbsp cumin seeds / jeera
- 1/2 tbsp oil
Instructions
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Crush the roasted peanuts coarsely with a mortar and pestle.
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Add the grated coconut, crushed peanuts, chopped green chillies to the cucumbers and mix well.
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Heat oil in a small kadai or pan. Add mustard seeds. When mustard seeds splutter, add cumin seeds. Once cumin seeds change color slightly, remove from heat. Add this tempering to the salad. Finally add salt and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well.
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Maharashtrian Cumumber Salad is now ready to be served.
Variations:
- Add Grated Carrot: You can add some grated carrot for extra crunch and color.
- Yogurt Option: If you prefer a creamy version, you can mix in some plain yogurt for a tangy and cooling effect.
- Add Mint: Add some finely chopped mint leaves to the salad for a refreshing twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of green chilies or red chili powder.
Health Benefits:
- Cucumber: Low in calories and high in water content, cucumbers are hydrating and help promote skin health.
- Cilantro: Packed with antioxidants, cilantro aids in digestion and helps detoxify the body.
- Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C, lemon juice supports immune function and adds a tangy zest to the salad.
- Peanuts: A good source of protein and healthy fats, roasted peanuts add crunch and energy to the salad.
Tips:
- Serve Fresh: This salad tastes best when served fresh, as the cucumbers can release water over time and make the salad soggy.
- Chill Before Serving: If you have time, refrigerate the salad for a short while before serving to enhance the flavor.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chili powder or green chilies according to your preference.
This Maharashtrian Cucumber Salad is simple to prepare, full of flavor, and incredibly refreshing, making it the perfect side dish for any Indian meal or a healthy snack on its own!