African-inspired Spicy Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

While the original Polish Szałot typically includes ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and mayonnaise, this African-inspired version focuses on fresh vegetables and bold spices. The traditional mayonnaise-based dressing is replaced with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, adding a refreshing twist to the dish. Additionally, the African version incorporates chili peppers and cumin to infuse the salad with a spicy and aromatic flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Szałot, so you can check it out.

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), thinly sliced 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, grated 2 carrots, grated
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 chili peppers, finely chopped 2 chili peppers, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Juice of 2 lemons Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, grated carrots, red onion, and chopped chili peppers.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this African-inspired spicy vegetable salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumbers — For a crispier texture, remove the seeds before slicing.
• Bell peppers — Use a mix of red and yellow bell peppers for a vibrant and visually appealing salad.
• Chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference.
• Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dressing.

Tips & Tricks

• Add some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of freshness.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before chopping.
• Serve the salad with a side of warm pita bread or naan for a complete meal.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like radishes or cherry tomatoes for additional variety.
• For a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini.

Serving advice

Serve the African-inspired spicy vegetable salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for falafel wraps.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.