This juicy, crunchy and fragrant tomato and onion salad is a super simple way to add a refreshing side dish to spicy curries.
Four ingredients only, and you can make it ahead to add a little something extra to curry night.

tomato, onion and coriander chopped salad in a white bowl with a spoon.
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A good curry and movie (or game night) at the weekend is one of our favourite ways to spend time together as a family.

I love to make curry night that little bit more special, by serving it up with poppadoms or chapatis, and a simple side dish or two – like this tomato, onion and coriander salad and some creamy raita.

It takes 5 minutes to throw together, and you can even make it an hour or two ahead, so you can grab it out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve everything up.

What do we need?

Ingredients for tomato, onion and coriander salad on a wooden table
  • Cherry (grape) tomatoes – I like to use cherry tomatoes are they’re sweeter, but you can use 3 or 4 larger regular tomatoes if you prefer.
  • Onion – I use half a small onion. You can replace with red onion if you prefer.
  • Coriander (cilantro) – fresh coriander is a must. I use 3 tbsp of chopped coriander, but this salad can take more if you love the stuff.
  • Plus a pinch of salt.

How to make Indian Tomato and Onion Salad

Full recipe with detailed steps in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Finely chop the tomatoes, onion and coriander (cilantro)
  2. Place in a bowl and mix together with a good pinch of salt.
4 ingredients collage showing how to make tomato, onion and coriander chopped salad

This time I’m serving it up with my simple chicken curry and no-fail boiled rice.

tomato, onion and coriander chopped salad in a white bowl with a spoon on a white background. Pita and curry dishes a little bit in shot

Looking for more Indian-style side dishes?

How about:

  • Homemade Pilau Rice – fragrant and tasty – only takes 5 minutes longer than boiled rice.
  • Easy Raita – great for cooling the palate with a spicy curry
  • Homemade Chapati – the kids love helping me to make these
  • Chicken Pakora (extra crispy and a little bit spicy)
  • Boiled Rice – my no fail method. No draining, no sloppy rice!
Close up of tomato, onion and coriander chopped salad in a white bowl with a spoon

📺 Watch how to make it

YouTube video

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5 from 7 votes

Tomato and Onion Salad Recipe

This juicy, crunchy and fragrant Indian-style salad is a simple way to add a refreshing side dish to spicy curries. Just four ingredients!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: side dish
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 16 cherry tomatoes
  • ½ small brown onion finely diced
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
  • pinch salt
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Instructions 

  • Chop each of the tomatoes into eighths and add to a bowl.
    16 cherry tomatoes
  • Add in the finely diced onion, chopped coriander and a pinch of salt.
    1/2 small brown onion, 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander, pinch salt
  • Stir together and serve.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Can I make it ahead?
Yes you can make it up to a couple of hours ahead, cover and store in the fridge. Just give it a little stir before serving.
If you wanted to make it up to a day ahead, you’ll notice the tomatoes will release some of their liquid, and the coriander will wilt slightly, but it will still taste great.
Can I freeze it?
No, I don’t recommend freezing this as the tomatoes will go mushy upon defrosting.
Ingredient swaps
  • Swap out the coriander for fresh mint, or do half mint, half coriander. You could also add fresh parsley too if you like
  • Swap out the onion for red onion or spring onions.
  • Swap out the cherry tomatoes for larger tomatoes. I’d recommend you use dark red, ripe tomatoes (ideally vine-ripened) for the best taste.
Nutritional information is per serving

Nutrition

Calories: 18kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 168mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.

Welcome to Kitchen Sanctuary

Hi, I'm Nicky and I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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Comments

  1. Graham says:

    5 stars
    I used red onion for appearance mainly but it is sweeter too. Delicious easy recipe.

  2. Vanessa Williams says:

    5 stars
    Hiya Nicki,
    This Tom/Onion salad is stunning,I’ve been making it for years.When I was a child my Mother was taught Indian by a Bengali gentleman and so growing up I too learnt to cook the same.The salad becam a great favourite and we also added a little cayenne pepper and a dash of jif lemon juice,so mouth watering !!! THANKYOU for Sharing all you wonderful recipes with us,I shall continue to learn from you too xxxx

  3. Roz says:

    Sorry, I meant to say, mix the the salad with vinegar and a bit of oil.

    Roz

    1. Nicky Corbishley says:

      Hi Roz, I don’t use vinegar and oil for this side dish. I usually have it on the side of a curry to to add some crunch and freshness, so I don’t feel like it needs any oil or vinegar. You can of course add some if you like 🙂

  4. Roz says:

    how is it you don’t mention vinegar and a bit of to toss the onions and tomatoes in?
    That is the usual way to mix this simple salad

  5. Stephanie Wilson says:

    5 stars
    I made this curry for the first time a month ago for my family when we went away for the weekend & they all loved it! Said it tasted delicious!! Made for my daughter & partner & she said it was the best curry I have ever made!.
    I am going to make it tomorrow for friends & also make the tomato onion & coriander salad!! I have bought some lovely sweet piccolo tomatoes I will use a red onion with mine as more delicate.

  6. Carl says:

    5 stars
    Prepared this last night, really lovely with a curry!

  7. Bertha says:

    5 stars
    Very nice. I love it

  8. Kath says:

    5 stars
    Perfect side to go with our curry tonight😋

  9. Alberto Gomez Copello says:

    I prefer to use lettuce instead of coriander, and add olive oil after mixing all the vegetables.
    It is called “Criolla salad” in Argentina, and is the usual side for BBQ beef.

  10. David King says:

    5 stars
    Really nice thanks