Crispy Paneer Grilled Nectarine Salad Summer Feasts

If you’re after a sharing platter worthy of your Instagram grid, this is the salad for you. I use my Homemade Masala Paneer recipe to give the salad a central focus; it’s crispy, spicy and creamy all at once.

Watch the full recipe video: Crispy Paneer & Grilled Nectarine Salad

The nectarines offset the richness of the paneer and peppery greens like rocket and watercress provide a luscious bed for the salad to lay atop.

What is Masala Paneer?

Masala Paneer is a fresh, unripened cheese from India. It’s similar to farmer’s cheese, also known as Indian cottage cheese. The core ingredients of paneer are cow’s milk and a coagulant like lemon juice, vinegar, citric acid or sour curd (yoghurt). Having said this, paneer is significantly different in texture and taste to the western concept of cottage cheese. My simple recipe for Homemade Masala Paneer features a basic paneer combined with black pepper, ginger, cumin seeds, chilli flakes, fresh coriander and salt. It’s then pressed to form a block. Cube it, slice it, scramble it or create something entirely new with it. I love to use this flavoursome paneer in Parathas. Feel free to experiment with seasonings to create your own special Masala Paneer. This is such an excellent summer dish. For a festive feel at Christmas time, replace the nectarines with sliced figs. A year-round crowd pleaser!

How to serve this Crispy Paneer & Grilled Nectarine Salad

I like to do it in stages. I start with the leafy greens, then add apple slices, tomatoes, olives, red onions and grilled nectarines (glazed with honey). Next, I add the warm, panko-crusted Masala Paneer. The final touches are boondi (crisp chickpea flour sprinkles) and tamarind dressing. Choose the largest platter you have and dig in immediately. This Crispy Paneer & Grilled Nectarine Salad is great as a standalone dish. Or pair it with other Indian nibbles. I love to eat this with my favourite Indian barbecue dishes. For example, these Meatless Seekh Kebabs or Achaari Mushroom Kebabs are perfect partners.