Onion Raita Recipe | Easy & Cooling Indian Yogurt Side Dish

Make a quick and refreshing onion raita with yogurt, fresh onions, and spices. Perfect cooling side for spicy meals and biryanis. Onion Raita is a classic Indian yogurt-based side dish that perfectly balances spicy and rich meals with its cool, refreshing flavor. Made with chopped fresh onions, creamy yogurt, and a blend of mild spices like cumin and coriander, this simple raita adds a delightful crunch and tang to any meal. Whether served alongside biryanis, curries, or grilled dishes, onion raita is a quick and easy way to enhance your dining experience with authentic Indian flavors.

In India raita is usually used to cool the palate especially since most Indian cuisine has a lot of spicy elements. I made my first raita and from then I have been hooked and wanted to try other flavour combinations. Raita is mainly a dip that can traditionally be served as a side dish with biryani, pilaf/pilau seek kabab or even paratha. In today's modern world raita is served as a sauce that goes well with salmon, tacos and even grilled chicken. It has also found its way as a dressing in pasta salads, budhaa bowls and even some salads.

Since most of India is vegetarian you will find vegetable raitas like spring onion raita, tomato onion raita, carrot raita, pumpkin raita, potato raita, spinach raita, mint and peanut raita, beetroot raita, boondi raita among others. I had this onion raita with a delicious green onion flat bread that was just perfection in every way. I am looking forward to trying all other raita recipe as I try to eat my way through lovely Indian cuisines!

1 Cup Yoghurt
1/2 Cup Onions
2-3 Green Chillies
Pinch Salt
1 Tablespoon Cilantro

METHOD

Pour yoghurt in medium bowl and add thinly sliced onions 

Add chopped cilantro

Add salt

Add chopped green chillies

You can skip the chillies if you do not want the heat but they do make the raita that much more refreshing

Mix the ingredients until combined well. Taste to see if seasoning is right

A perfect condiment to add to your curry meals, chapati, naan or even pilau

ONION RAITA

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 05 Minutes
Cook time: 00 Minutes
Total time: 05 Minutes
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients

• 1 Cup Yoghurt
• 1/2 Cup Onions
• 2-3 Green Chilies
• Pinch Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Cilantro

Cooking Directions

1. Add Yoghurt in a bowl. Add in Onions, Green Chilies, Salt and Cilantro
2. Whisk the mixture until ingredients combine well, refrigerate several hour for the ingredients to meld together
3. Garnish with onion pieces

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Onion Raita: FAQs

What is Onion Raita?
Onion Raita is a traditional Indian side dish made by combining fresh chopped onions with yogurt and various spices. It serves as a cooling accompaniment to spicy meals, balancing strong flavors with its creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy profile.

How is Onion Raita typically served?
Onion Raita is usually served chilled alongside biryanis, pulaos, curries, or grilled dishes. Its refreshing taste helps to soothe the palate and complement rich, spicy foods.

Can I customize the spice level in Onion Raita?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder, black pepper, or green chili added to suit your heat preference. Additionally, fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can be added to enhance flavor.

Is Onion Raita healthy?
Onion Raita is nutritious and low in calories, providing probiotics from yogurt which are beneficial for digestion. The onions add fiber and antioxidants, making it a wholesome side dish.

How long can Onion Raita be stored?
Since it contains fresh onions and yogurt, it’s best consumed within 1-2 days when stored in the refrigerator. The texture and flavor can change if stored longer.

Printable Nutrition Card (Per 100g serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~60 kcal	Low in calories
Carbohydrates	~6 g	Mainly from onions and yogurt
Protein	~3 g	From yogurt
Fat	~2 g	Depends on yogurt fat content
Saturated Fat	~1 g	If using full-fat yogurt
Fiber	~1 g	From onions
Sodium	~150 mg	Depending on added salt

Note: Nutritional values vary with type of yogurt and added salt.

Dietary Information

Diet Type	Suitable?	Notes
Vegan	❌ No	Contains dairy yogurt
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Contains no meat products
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free
Dairy-Free	❌ No	Contains yogurt
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Contains no nuts
Keto-Friendly	✅ Yes	Low carb and high fat options available with full-fat yogurt
Paleo-Friendly	❌ No	Contains dairy

Tip: For a dairy-free version, use coconut or almond yogurt. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.