Mint & Yogurt Raita – A Cool Hug for Hot Summer Days

A refreshing Indian Mint & Yogurt Raita recipe made with curd, mint, and veggies. Easy to make, light, and cooling — perfect for summer meals.

1/15/20263 min read

📍 Prep Time: 10 mins

🔥 Cook Time: 0 mins

⏱️ Total Time: 10 mins + 2 hrs chill time

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serves: 3

A Refreshing Bowl of Comfort

Introduction: When Summer Calls for Something Cool ☀️

Summer in India has a way of making you crave everything cold and comforting. Growing up, my mother always kept a bowl of curd-based raita ready in the fridge — the kind that soothed you from the inside out.

One hot afternoon, while flipping through my old recipe books, I stumbled upon a mint and yogurt salad. I decided to give it my own twist with a handful of veggies — and that’s how this refreshing Mint & Yogurt Veggie Raita was born. It’s creamy, crunchy, and cool — the perfect sidekick to a steaming pulao, paratha, or even a simple bowl of rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Summer Cooler: Combines the cooling powers of mint and yogurt to beat the heat.

Crunch in Every Bite: Fresh cucumber, carrot, and tomato add texture and freshness.

Balanced Flavour: A gentle blend of salt, sugar, and mint gives a perfect sweet-tangy touch.

Wholesome & Guilt-Free: Rich in probiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Versatile Pairing: Goes with anything — from biryani to rotis, or even as a light salad on its own.

Ingredients

Thick Curd / Yogurt: 1 cup

Fresh Mint Leaves: A handful, finely chopped

Cucumber: ½, deseeded and finely chopped

Carrot: 1 small, peeled and finely chopped

Tomato: 1 small, finely chopped (seeds optional)

Sugar: ½ tsp

Salt: To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the base: In a mixing bowl, whisk curd until smooth. Add salt and sugar, and mix well so the flavours balance evenly.

2. Add freshness: Toss in the chopped mint, cucumber, carrot, and tomato. Mix gently to combine.

3. Chill & serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mint to infuse beautifully into the yogurt.

4. Enjoy: Serve chilled with rotis, pulao, or eat it as is — a cooling mid-day snack.

💡 Pro Tip: Always add salt just before serving to keep the veggies crunchy and prevent wateriness.

Serving & Variations

The Perfect Pair: Pair it with vegetable pulao, biryani, or parathas for a refreshing contrast.

Summer Salad: Serve it as a salad topped with roasted cumin powder for extra zing.

Variations:

◦ Swap mint with coriander for a fresh green twist.

◦ Add a dash of roasted cumin powder or black salt for a North Indian flavour.

◦ Mix in boiled sweet corn or pomegranate seeds for extra nutrition.

Flavor Boost:

A drizzle of ghee takes it to another level.

8. Health Benefits & Nutrition

Mint and yogurt make a naturally cooling, digestion-friendly combo. Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health, while mint and veggies offer vitamins A and C for a fresh glow.

Nutrition Table (Per Serving approx.): | Nutrient | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Calories | 90 kcal | | Protein | 4 g | | Fat | 3 g | | Carbohydrates | 10 g | | Calcium | 120 mg |

Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Important: Do not reheat — serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

If this recipe reminded you of long summer afternoons and home-style meals, share it with someone who loves comforting, cooling food. 💚 Tag @TummyKhush when you try it — I’d love to see your version!