Kachumbari
This fresh East African salad tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and herbs with a light, zesty dressing. A little jalapeño adds a mild kick, while lime brightens every bite. Enjoy it as a side dish, a topping for grilled meats, or layered with avocado and beefsteak tomatoes for a heartier version. Crisp, tangy, and full of flavor, it’s a refreshing way to bring vibrant color to the table.
| Cuisine | East African |
| Category | Salad |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Published | 8/24/2025 |
Instructions
- 1
Combine the diced tomatoes, onion, cucumber, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic, and fresh herbs in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 2
Prepare the dressing by blending garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Alternatively, shake together in a jar with a tight lid.
- 3
Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad just before serving, and toss to coat evenly.
- 4
For a layered option, place a slice of beefsteak tomato on a plate, spread mashed avocado over it, and top with a scoop of kachumbari. Add extra dressing if you like.
Nutrition Information
| Calories | 121 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 587mg |
| Potassium | 198mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 512IU |
| Vitamin C | 17mg |
| Calcium | 21mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Recipe Notes
You can peel the cucumber entirely or stripe it for visual appeal while keeping some crunch.
Fresh herbs give the brightest flavor, though dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
For best texture, assemble the salad close to serving time so the vegetables stay crisp.
Avocado and beefsteak tomatoes are optional add-ins that make the salad more filling and layered.
Always dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
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