ProView – Good To-Go Cucumber Chaat Salad
We had three Outdoor Prolink Pros test two different Good To-Go meals, and each flavor got its own review. See below for the review of Cucumber Chaat Salad. Carrot-Ginger Power Bowl coming soon!
Good To-Go Cucumber Chaat Salad
Product Name: Good To-Go Cucumber Chaat Salad
Product Description: Indian Street Food-Style Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Hemp Hearts Chaat is a style of Indian street food that hits you with all the flavors—sweet, sour, spicy, and umami. This popular Indian dish can be enjoyed anytime, as breakfast or an afternoon snack, lunch, or dinner. Our version is served up as a protein-rich salad, with a crunch so nice you’d think it was freshly prepared. And the best part? No stove required! All you need is cool water to enjoy a delicious meal created by an award-winning chef, in the backcountry, on the road, or wherever life takes you.
Offer price: MSRP: $8.60 - $88.95
Currency: USD
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Flavor
(5)
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Rehydration
(4.5)
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Ease of Use
(4.5)
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Nutritional Value
(4.5)
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Packaging Durability/Packability
(5)
Summary
These meals are my go-to for any backpacking trip. Good To-Go has completely changed my perspective on what’s possible with stove-free meals in the backcountry. But any “gear” that I have, I always try to look at the versatility of it. I always like to have 1-2 freezer meals at home for when I get back after a long trip or vacation or did not have time to prepare lunch for a long shift at work, but these meals are always full of sodium and never taste that good. So, I bought a couple extra Good To-Go meals, and they have replaced my “emergency freezer meals.” They’re healthier, taste better, and are cheaper than going out for a meal.
Overall
4.7Pros
- Rehydrate with any temperature water
- Healthy food option for traveling
- Accommodate many different diets
Cons
- There are currently limited flavor selections and the packaging does not provide a way to measure water added
Flavor
Michael Reilly
I love some Indian food, but admit that I can never cook anything that compares to a restaurant. Well, I found a freeze dried meal that captures the essence of Indian street food with the Cucumber Chaat Salad. The blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors creates a complex taste that is both refreshing and invigorating. The cucumbers and tomatoes have a crunch that makes it feel just like a fresh salad, making it a delicious and exciting meal option.
Michelle Beadle
A refreshing change from traditional backpacking meals! Cucumbers are one of my favorite summertime snacks, so being able to pack some out with me without the weight was a nice treat. I was a bit nervous as this meal is listed in the medium-spicy category and I am a wimp with spices, but the flavors balanced nicely without the burning feeling. For me, this was perfect for a lunch or light dinner on rainy day to warm up just a bit.
Emily Parnay
This salad surprised me with its burst of flavor and spice. My dad who doesn’t like cucumbers actually loved this meal as well (the very first thing with cucumber in it that he’s ever enjoyed!). The flavor is well-balanced and definitely something that leaves you satisfied.
Rehydration
Michael Reilly
Rehydration is fast and effective, with the salad ready in just 10 minutes after adding cool water. The dried ingredients rehydrate well, maintaining their distinct textures and flavors. The hemp hearts and dried cucumber pieces regain their freshness, making the salad feel like it was just prepared.
Michelle Beadle
The instructions read to add water, stir, lay flat for 5 minutes, then turn to the opposite side for another 5 minutes. I was pressed for time the first time I tried this meal, so I added water, then tossed back in my bag while I hiked a bit further. The meal still hydrated well, yet wasn’t soggy even after soaking for longer than 10 minutes.
Emily Parnay
Like I mentioned above, I love the “cold water” meals as they save time, effort, and fuel. It is also nice to eat something cool if the day is hot. This meal in particular rehydrated perfectly, no hard chunks and left a satisfying texture.
Ease of Use
Michael Reilly
This meal is extremely user-friendly, requiring only the addition of cool water and a short wait. Its stove-free nature makes it perfect for those who need a quick, hassle-free meal, whether on the road or in the wilderness. The clear instructions ensure that even first-time users can prepare the meal with ease.
Michelle Beadle
These meals are very easy to use; simply open the package, remove the desiccant pack, and pour in water. I added water directly from my water bottle when preparing these meals. I appreciated how easily the package resealed when I tossed it back in my bag while rehydrating. This is also helpful should you not consume the meal all at once.
Emily Parnay
Again no stove required equates to easy lunches or seamless meals without hassle. Play hard, eat easy but still healthy!
Nutritional Value
Michael Reilly
With 21g of protein and 410 calories, the Cucumber Chaat Salad is a nutritious choice that provides a substantial amount of energy and protein. The hemp hearts offer a complete source of protein, while the variety of spices and vegetables contribute to the meal’s overall health benefits. It’s a well-rounded meal that supports an active lifestyle. Similar to the Carrot-Ginger Power Bowl, you may have to supplement some additional food if you’re a very active person or have a higher caloric need.
Michelle Beadle
Despite being packed with veggies, this meal still has a whopping 21 grams of protein per serving! This meal offers a long list of clean ingredients, accommodating to many different dietary restrictions or preferences. This meal is also lower in sodium than a traditional freeze-dried meal making it even more refreshing.
Emily Parnay
Again I love Good To-Go’s use of hemp and veggies, making the meals super healthy, and nutrient dense. This meal even has 60% iron, which is awesome because vegans can easily become iron deficient in the backcountry.
Quality
Michael Reilly
The quality of the ingredients shines through in the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. The salad is crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients that are easily recognizable (again, I can pronounce them all!) and free from artificial preservatives. The taste reflects the expertise of the Michelin-star chef, delivering an authentic and satisfying meal.
Michelle Beadle
Having a filling meal packed full of veggies was great. Not having to worry about problems from food allergies from unknown ingredients while traveling is priceless. This meal is a wonderful, healthy option for a lunch on the go or light dinner.
Emily Parnay
The Cucumber Chaat Salad was definitely a high quality meal, is filling and looks delicious too. It hit the spot and definitely is something I would pay for in the future.
Packaging Durability/Packability
Michael Reilly
The packaging is durable and designed for easy transport, making it ideal for outdoor activities. It’s lightweight and compact, fitting well in a backpack without taking up much space. The packaging’s sturdiness ensures that it can withstand the demands of travel, protecting the meal inside from damage.
Michelle Beadle
I had no problems with the packaging holding up while in transit. The package was easy to reseal and did not allow any liquid to leak out. Weighing in at just 3.4 ounces, this was an easy meal to bring along on any trip. The packing also folds down nicely to allow for easy pack out.
Emily Parnay
Like with all Good to Go meals, I love their small packaging. I had no issues with the seal on the Cucumber Chaat Salad meals like I did for the Carrot Ginger Bowl.
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About the Gear Tester
Michelle Beadle
Michelle currently resides in South Central Alaska and works as an environmental technician for the Native Village of Eklutna performing fish, wildlife, and habitat surveys in an effort to restore their historic lands to their traditional bounty. When not at work, you can find her hiking, skiing, climbing, horseback riding, running, biking, hunting, fishing, or trying out new ways to explore the outdoors. She can be found on Instagram under michelle_ventures. To learn more about the river restoration project, visit eklutnariver.org.
Mike Reilly
Mike worked in outdoor education for almost ten years with a variety of organizations in the mountain west including High Mountain Institute, NOLS, and Wilderness Adventures. His adventures have taken him all across the world and to all 50 states with students. Now, Mike can be found in Park City, Utah where he works as a ski patroller and is also enrolled in nursing school. Outside of work and school, Mike enjoys hiking, climbing, camping, skiing (both resort and backcountry), and meal prepping. His newest passion is woodworking, but he still considers himself an ameature. You can connect with him on instagram @mikereilly4.
Emily Parnay
Emily loves the community, personal growth and the challenge that adventure pursuits provide. She loves rock climbing, backpacking and peak scrambling, rafting, snowsports (sledding is a sport!), canyoning, and breaking new trails. She graduated college with a degree in Adventure Education and holds a WFR and ACCT Level 1 Certificate. When not out on an adventure, you can find her stargazing, gardening, and planning her next epic life experience.
