Easy Nigerian Salad Recipe (African Recipes).
This easy African salad recipe is a fresh, colorful, and nutritious dish made with simple ingredients. It combines crisp vegetables with flavorful additions to create a quick meal or side that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for everyday meals, gatherings, or when you need something light and healthy.
Servings 6 people
Calories 319kcal
Cost $3
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl. for alternating the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 whole small head of cabbage A cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamin C and fiber. Shred thinly for the best texture; thick shreds make the salad harder to mix and eat.
- 3 whole medium tomatoes Use firm, ripe tomatoes only. Soft tomatoes release excess juice that makes the salad watery and shortens its shelf life. Dice small for even distribution.
- ½ whole medium cucumber Cut into small cubes for satisfying texture in every bite. Scrape out the seedy center first to reduce moisture in the bowl.
- 4 whole medium carrots You can slice, grate, or cut into matchsticks depending on preference. Grating blends more seamlessly with the other ingredients; slicing gives more visible color.
- 1 cup green beans Steam for exactly 2 minutes then transfer immediately to cold water. This preserves their bright green color and keeps them tender-crisp rather than limp.
- 1 cup sweet corn Drain canned corn thoroughly before adding, or thaw and pat dry if using frozen. Excess liquid from undrained corn is one of the main reasons salads turn soggy.
- 1 cup baked beans Always drain and rinse baked beans before adding. The tomato sauce they come in will discolor the salad and make it wet if poured in directly.
- 1 cup cooked beef liver One of the most nutrient-dense ingredients in this dish; exceptionally high in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Ensure it is fully cooked and completely cooled before adding to the salad.
- 5 whole large eggs Hard boil for 10 to 12 minutes, then transfer to ice water immediately to prevent the grey ring from forming around the yolk. Dice into small, even pieces for easy scooping.
- 1 cup salad cream Salad cream is the classic choice for authentic Nigerian salad flavor. Because the dressing is kept separate and mixed per serving, the full calorie count only applies if you use all of it at once; which most people won't.
- ¼ cup liquid milk Whole milk gives the dressing a smooth, slightly rich consistency. It thins the salad cream just enough to make it coat the vegetables evenly without being too heavy.
- 2 teaspoons sugar. The sugar balances the tanginess of the salad cream and is a signature touch in Nigerian-style dressing. Adjust to taste; some prefer it slightly sweeter, others more tangy.
Instructions
- Step 1: First, place eggs in cold water, bring to a boil, then cook for 10–12 minutes. Afterward, transfer to ice water, peel, dice, and set aside. Next, steam the beans for exactly 2 minutes. Immediately after, cool them in cold water to preserve color and texture. Meanwhile, prepare all other ingredients. At this stage, ensure everything is properly drained and dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Step 2: Assemble the Salad; Now, in a large bowl, layer ingredients alternately. This way, every scoop contains a balanced mix. Then, combine salad cream, milk, and sugar. Stir until smooth. At this point, taste and adjust as needed. Finally; and most importantly; keep the dressing separate until serving. By doing this, your salad stays crisp much longer.
Notes
Use fresh, crunchy vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
You can customize the ingredients based on what’s available.
Chill before serving for a more refreshing taste.
Add protein like eggs, chicken, or beans to make it more filling.
Adjust dressing and seasoning to your preference.
You can customize the ingredients based on what’s available.
Chill before serving for a more refreshing taste.
Add protein like eggs, chicken, or beans to make it more filling.
Adjust dressing and seasoning to your preference.