The Best Salads That Go With Curry: A Delicious Guide!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

If you’re a fan of curry but struggling to find the perfect side dish, look no further than the world of salads!

Not only do salads provide a refreshing and healthy complement to the bold and flavourful spices of curry, but they also offer endless possibilities for creative and delicious combinations.

But with so many salad options out there, how do you choose the perfect one?

Join us as we explore the best salads to pair with curry, from crunchy and colourful chopped salads to creamy and cool cucumber salads that will have your taste buds dancing. 

Let’s get going… 

(For more curry night inspiration, you might also want to take a look at the best starters for curry, and the best desserts for curry!) 

Exploring Salads That Go With Curry

Cucumber and Onion Salad

Looking for a refreshing side to accompany your curry?

Give this cucumber and onion salad a try!

Start by thinly slicing cucumber and red onions. Toss with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

The mixture of crunchy cucumber and the taste of zesty red onion will create a cool respite from the heat of the curry.

If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add thinly sliced radishes, celery, or green beans for an extra crunch.

curry with salads

Green Apple Salad

Add some tanginess to your curry meal by whipping up a quick green apple salad.

Simply chop the green apple into small pieces, add some shredded cabbage to the mix and toss it all together with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing.

The sweet and sour flavour combination of apples and cabbage makes a delightful contrast against the richness of the curry.

Don’t hesitate to throw in a handful of chopped celery or sliced radishes for an extra pop of crunchiness.

Crunchy Carrot and Raisin Salad

This salad offers the perfect crunchiness to your meal, with the added benefit of a sweet undertone brought to you by the raisins.

To make this wonderful side dish, grate a few carrots and mix them with a generous portion of plump raisins.

Finish with a tangy dressing made from lemon juice, honey, and a touch of mustard. Optional additions can include shredded cabbage or sliced cucumber for added texture and flavour.

Salads to Pair with Breads and Rice

When enjoying a curry with naan, roti or rice, it’s great to have a refreshing salad to balance the flavours.

Here are two options to consider:

Spinach and Feta Salad

This delightful combination of spinach and feta brings a Mediterranean touch to your plate.

The slightly bitter taste of spinach pairs perfectly with the tangy feta cheese, complementing the richer, spicier flavours of curry.

To prepare this salad, simply toss together baby spinach, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.

For added colour and texture, throw in some thinly-sliced red onion and olives. Finish with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

This salad works well with both naan and rice, and can also be served alongside a quinoa salad for added variety.

Greek Salad

Another superb choice for a cooling side dish is a traditional Greek salad.

The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and creamy feta cheese is the ideal accompaniment to rich curry dishes.

To make a Greek salad, combine chopped cucumber, ripe tomatoes, sliced green bell peppers, and black olives in a large mixing bowl.

Add crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and oregano.

Serve your Greek salad with warm naan bread or a bed of fluffy rice for a tasty and satisfying meal. The salad’s crisp, fresh flavours will enhance the curry’s taste while offering a delightful contrast.

Mixing and matching these salads with various types of bread and rice provides a delightful dining experience when enjoying a curry treat.

Remember to keep it fresh, vibrant, and full of contrasts to enhance your meal.

(Want some more inspiration for curry night? Check out what to serve with monkfish curry!) 

Fruit Salad Inspirations

Curries, full of vibrant flavours and spices, deserve a refreshing and palate-cleansing side dish.

Let’s explore some fruit salad inspirations that go perfectly with your favourite curry dishes.

Mango and Avocado Salad

What could be better than combining juicy mangoes and creamy avocados in a delightful salad? This mango and avocado salad is the perfect accompaniment to your curry.

Ingredients:

  • 2 mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 avocados, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes and avocados.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic powder.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the mango and avocado mixture. Gently toss to coat.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your Mango and Avocado Salad with a delicious curry!

Green Apple and Raisin Salad

A green apple and raisin salad offers a tasty contrast of sweet and tart flavours, perfect for pairing with a rich curry dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 green apples, cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon mango chutney
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the diced green apples and raisins.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mango chutney, olive oil, and vinegar.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the green apple and raisin mixture. Gently toss to coat.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your Green Apple and Raisin Salad alongside a flavourful curry and enjoy the burst of flavours in every bite!

Innovative Indian Salads

When it comes to pairing salads with curry, you can unleash your creativity and innovate with some delicious Indian-inspired salads.

In this section, we will explore three delightful salads that are bursting with colour and flavour: Aloo Gobi Salad, Cauliflower Rice and Cashew Salad, and Cucumber and Tomato Salad.

Let’s dive in!

Aloo Gobi Salad

Nothing quite says Indian cuisine like the classic aloo gobi dish.

Why not transform this beloved meal into a refreshing salad, perfect for complementing your curry?

To make Aloo Gobi salad,

  • Start with a base of mixed greens.
  • Add boiled and cubed potatoes (aloo) and lightly blanched cauliflower florets (gobi).
  • Sprinkle on some freshly chopped coriander and green chilli for extra zing.

For the dressing, combine olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, a pinch of turmeric, salt, and pepper. Drizzle it onto the salad, toss well, and serve.

Cauliflower Rice and Cashew Salad

The marriage of cauliflower rice and crunchy cashews creates a fabulous salad that will elevate your curry night experience.

Here’s how you create this delight:

  • Grate a medium-sized cauliflower head (or process in a food processor) to achieve a rice-like texture.
  • Toast the cauliflower rice briefly in a dry pan, letting it cool down afterwards.
  • Mix in toasted cashews, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and some finely chopped coriander leaves.

For the dressing, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, a touch of honey, and a pinch of salt.

Pour it over the salad, mix well, and serve.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Simple yet satisfying, this cucumber and tomato salad is perfect for those who want a cool and crisp side dish.

To make this salad,

  • Finely slice cucumbers and fresh tomatoes.
  • Combine them in a bowl with diced red onions, chopped green chilli, and fresh coriander leaves.

Create the dressing by mixing olive oil, white wine vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and some seasoning.

Pour it over the vegetables, toss well, and enjoy this refreshing salad alongside your favourite curry.

Salad Dressing Ideas

Homemade Lime and Coriander Dressing

For a refreshing and zesty dressing that complements curry dishes perfectly, try this homemade lime and coriander dressing. It’s easy to whip up and requires just a few ingredients.

Here’s a simple recipe:

  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro (coriander)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • A pinch of sea salt
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lemon juice, and chopped cilantro.
  2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, ensuring the oil is well incorporated.
  3. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, mustard, and a pinch of sea salt to taste.

You can adjust the quantities of lime juice, cilantro, and other ingredients to suit your taste.

Tzatziki Dressing

Tzatziki dressing is another fantastic option to pair with your curry.

This creamy and cooling dressing is made with Greek yoghurt, cucumber, and herbs, making it a refreshing addition to your salad.

Here’s a quick recipe for you to try:

  • ½ cup Greek yoghurt
  • ½ cup grated cucumber, drained
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • A pinch of sea salt
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt and grated cucumber.
  2. Stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, and minced garlic.
  3. Add a pinch of sea salt to taste, and mix well until smooth.

For some added crunch, toss in some chopped bell pepper or pickles into your salad, and drizzle with a generous amount of your chosen dressing. Enjoy your flavourful, expertly dressed salad alongside a delicious curry!

Adding Extra Zest

A delicious curry is always a fantastic choice, but pairing it with the right salad can make a huge difference.

The key is to add extra zest that complements your curry while showcasing the fresh, crisp flavours of the salad ingredients.

In this section, we’ll explore two zesty salad ideas featuring bean sprouts and radishes.

Bean Sprouts

Bean sprout salad is an incredibly versatile salad that can enhance any curry meal. With the inclusion of protein-packed edamame, this salad not only adds freshness but also a delightful crunch to go alongside your curry dish.

To make a scrumptious bean sprout and edamame salad, combine the following ingredients:

  • Bean sprouts (200g, rinsed and drained)
  • Edamame (150g, cooked and shelled)
  • Red onion (1, thinly sliced)
  • Cucumber (1, peeled and thinly sliced)
  • Lime juice (2 tbsp, freshly squeezed)
  • Lemon juice (1 tbsp, freshly squeezed)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Make sure to mix all the ingredients gently so that the flavours blend well together. The zesty flavour from the lime and lemon juice will provide the perfect accent to your curry. Feel free to sprinkle more pepper if you want to add a bit of heat.

Radishes

Radishes are an excellent choice for adding a refreshing and peppery crunch to your curry accompaniment. Combine radishes with a flavoursome tomato avocado salad, and you’re really onto something special.

To achieve a terrific radish and tomato avocado salad, gather the following ingredients:

  • Radishes (10, thinly sliced)
  • Tomatoes (2, chopped)
  • Avocado (1, diced)
  • Red onion (½, finely chopped)
  • Cucumber (½, deseeded and diced)
  • Lemon juice (1 tbsp, freshly squeezed)
  • Lime juice (1 tbsp, freshly squeezed)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Start by combining the radishes, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cucumber in a bowl. Then, drizzle the lemon and lime juice over the mixture and give it a gentle stir. Lastly, season with pepper to your preferred taste.

Another great option to consider is a traditional tabbouleh salad with radishes as an extra kick of peppery zing. This salad is sure to delight your taste buds, enhancing the overall experience of your curry feast.

Remember, not only are these zesty salads perfect with curry but they also offer fantastic nutritional benefits.

So grab your shopping list and make room for bean sprouts and radishes – your curry night just got even better!

If you love Indian food, be sure to also check out what to serve with dhal, and what to serve with chicken curry for more ideas and inspiration.