High Protein Paneer Salad (Indian Style)

Spicy paneer salad served on a black bowl with fork on it and greek yogurt dressing on the side.

5 from 1 vote

High Protein Paneer Salad (Indian Style)

This Indian-style Paneer Salad with a spicy Greek yogurt dressing is a protein-packed, delicious vegetarian salad that comes together in just 20 minutes.

Course Salad

Cuisine Indian

Keyword high protein paneer salad, indian paneer salad recipe, indian style paneer salad, paneer salad with greek yogurt dressing

Diet Vegetarian

Method Air Fryer, Stovetop

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 341kcal

Author Bhavana Patil

Ingredients

For Paneer

1 cup paneer, cut into ½ inch cubes (about 200 grams)
1 teaspoon oil
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
salt, pepper to taste

For Dressing

½ cup Greek yogurt (hung curd)
6-8 soaked cashews (or soaked almonds)
1 clove garlic minced
1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
½ teaspoon oregano (or Italian herbs)
½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
salt to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup optional, but recommended

Veggies

1 cup romaine lettuce
½ cup onion diced
½ cup cucumber diced
½ cup tomato deseeded and diced
½ cup colored bell peppers diced
2 tablespoons coriander leaves

Instructions

In a blender, add Greek yogurt (hung curd), soaked cashews, garlic clove minced, red chili powder, oregano (or Italian herbs), red chili flakes, cumin powder, salt to taste, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Blend to a smooth puree.
In a pan, add oil. Once it's hot, add paneer cubes, red chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Sauté about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Keep them aside. You can also air fry the paneer.
In a large mixing bowl, add romaine lettuce, diced onions, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, diced colored bell peppers, and pan-fried paneer.
Next, add the spicy Greek yogurt dressing and coriander leaves.
Toss well to combine. Adjust the seasoning at this stage if needed. You can enjoy the salad right away or refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Tips & Variations

More Veggies: You can add hearty veggies of your choice, like avocado, sweet corn, or boiled sweet potatoes.

No Paneer: If you don't like paneer, replace it with extra-firm tofu.

No Greek Yogurt: If you don't have Greek yogurt at home, take regular homemade yogurt, pour it into a muslin cloth, and drain the whey for 30 minutes above the kitchen sink. Here is the detailed recipe on how to make hung curd at home. I do not recommend using regular curd.

Protein: You can add any beans, like boiled chickpeas, or boiled kidney beans, to this salad.

Nuts & Seeds: You can add roasted nuts like air fryer roasted peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and seeds such as flax or hemp seeds for added crunch and nutrition.

Nutrition