Kenyan Kachumbari (Tomato & Onion Salad)

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Nairobi produce markets

📍 Where this dish comes from: Nairobi, Kenya · Nairobi produce markets
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Kenyan Kachumbari (Tomato & Onion Salad), plated and ready to serve

Kachumbari is less a recipe than a reflex in Kenyan kitchens — diced tomato and onion, brightened with lime and a little heat, ready in ten minutes with no cooking at all. It’s the standard companion to nyama choma and nearly every other grilled dish in this book, cutting through richness with sharp, acidic freshness.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Kenyan Kachumbari (Tomato & Onion Salad)

Kenyan Kachumbari (Tomato & Onion Salad)

Kenya's essential fresh salad — found on nearly every table alongside grilled meat.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: East African
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 60kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tomatoes diced
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 green chili minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime juiced
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Combine tomatoes, onion, and chili (if using) in a bowl.
  • Add cilantro and lime juice, tossing to combine.
  • Season with salt and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 60kcal | Protein: 2g | Fiber: 2g
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Cooking Kenyan Kachumbari (Tomato & Onion Salad) in the kitchen

Health Benefits

  • Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant compound linked to heart health.
  • Onions contain quercetin and other flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Lime juice adds vitamin C with essentially no carbohydrate cost.
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