12 Best Raita Recipes (The Ultimate Raita Collection)

Raita is a refreshing, yogurt-based side dish widely enjoyed with biryani, pulao, curries, kebabs, and everyday meals. It cools the palate, adds creaminess, and balances spicy or rich dishes. This comprehensive collection of 12 easy and delicious raita recipes gives you endless options—whether you prefer something savory, tangy, sweet, fruity, or spicy.

Each raita is quick to prepare, requires only a handful of ingredients, and can be made ahead for meal prep. Perfect for home cooks, parties, and Indian cuisine lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Raita Collection

  • Twelve variations using simple, everyday ingredients.
  • All recipes are ready in 5 minutes or less.
  • Kid-friendly, customizable, and nutritious.
  • Pairs beautifully with biryani, curries, grilled meats, and parathas.
  • Great for hosting or building an Indian meal spread.
  • Includes sweet, savory, spicy, and fruity options.

12 Raita Recipes

1. Boondi Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ cup boondi (crispy chickpea balls)
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • Salt to taste

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
  2. Add boondi, cumin, and salt.
  3. Mix and serve immediately or let the boondi soften for 5 minutes.

2. Cucumber Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 small cucumber (grated or finely chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • ½ tsp cumin powder

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt.
  2. Add cucumber and spices.
  3. Chill before serving.

3. Onion Tomato Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Salt
  • Cumin powder

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt.
  2. Add onion, tomato, and seasoning.
  3. Mix gently and serve.

4. Mint Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped mint
  • Salt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt.
  2. Add mint, lemon juice, and salt.
  3. Mix and serve chilled.

5. Pineapple Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ cup pineapple cubes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Pinch of chili powder (optional)

Preparation

  1. Mix yogurt with sugar.
  2. Add pineapple and optional chili powder.
  3. Chill before serving.

6. Beetroot Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ cup boiled grated beetroot
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt.
  2. Add beetroot and seasoning.
  3. Mix until pink and serve.

7. Pomegranate Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt.
  2. Add pomegranate along with sugar or salt.
  3. Mix and serve.

8. Carrot Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ cup grated carrot
  • Salt
  • Cumin powder

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt.
  2. Add carrots and seasoning.
  3. Mix and chill.

9. Mixed Vegetable Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • Finely chopped vegetables (carrot, cucumber, tomato)
  • Salt
  • Cumin powder

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt.
  2. Add chopped vegetables.
  3. Season and serve.

10. Masala Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt

Preparation

  1. Whisk yogurt until smooth.
  2. Add spices.
  3. Mix and serve.

11. Spinach Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • ½ cup blanched, chopped spinach
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Preparation

  1. Whisk the yogurt.
  2. Add spinach and seasoning.
  3. Mix well and serve.

12. Sweet Fruit Raita

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • Mixed chopped fruits (apple, mango, banana, grapes)
  • 1–2 tbsp sugar or honey
  • Pinch of cardamom (optional)

Preparation

  1. Whisk yogurt with sugar or honey.
  2. Add fruits.
  3. Mix gently and serve chilled.

Serving Suggestions

  • Perfect with biryani, pulao, and khichdi.
  • Serve alongside tandoori chicken, kebabs, or grilled meats.
  • Enjoy with parathas, naan, or chapati.
  • Pair fruity raitas with spicy dishes for contrast.
  • Use as a cooling side dish in Indian thalis and buffet spreads.

Storage Tips

  • Raita is best consumed fresh.
  • Refrigerate for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
  • If using watery vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes), drain excess liquid before mixing.
  • For boondi raita, add boondi just before serving for crisp texture.

FAQ

Which raita is best for biryani?

Boondi raita, cucumber raita, and onion tomato raita pair best with biryanis.

Can I make raita ahead of time?

Yes—prepare the yogurt base ahead, but add vegetables or boondi before serving to prevent watering.

Can I use Greek yogurt?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt makes raita thicker and creamier.

Can fruit raita be served with savory dishes?

Yes, especially alongside spicy curries or biryanis, as the sweetness balances heat.

Is raita healthy?

Yes. Raita is rich in probiotics, protein, and vitamins, making it a nutritious side dish.

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