Spicy Guava Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring thinly sliced fresh guava, red onion, and cilantro, brightened with lime juice and a kick of chili flakes. This no-cook dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
For 4 servings
Prepare Guava: Wash the guavas thoroughly. Trim off the ends. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the guavas into rounds or half-moons, about 1/8 inch thick. You can leave the seeds in or scoop them out if preferred (though they add texture).
Prepare Red Onion: Peel and thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, place the sliced onion in a small bowl of cold water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry.
Chop Cilantro: Wash and roughly chop the fresh cilantro.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced guava, prepared red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Dress the Salad: Pour the fresh lime juice over the ingredients. Sprinkle with chili flakes, salt, and a pinch of black pepper (if using).
Toss and Rest: Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and the guava to slightly soften.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light snack.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Guava Selection: Choose firm, ripe guavas that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma. Avoid overly soft or bruised guavas.
- 2Mandoline for Slicing: For uniformly thin guava and onion slices, a mandoline slicer is highly recommended, but always exercise caution when using one.
- 3Adjust Spice Level: Start with a smaller amount of chili flakes and add more to your preference. Fresh finely chopped bird's eye chili can also be used for a more intense heat.
- 4Onion Mellowing: Soaking sliced red onion in cold water helps to reduce its harshness, making it more palatable in a raw salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Tropical Twist
Add diced mango or pineapple for extra sweetness and tropical flavor.
Crunchy AdditionCrunchy Addition
Incorporate a handful of chopped toasted peanuts or cashews for added texture and richness.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
For a more substantial meal, add grilled shrimp or shredded cooked chicken.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Guava and lime are excellent sources of Vitamin C, boosting immunity and promoting healthy skin.
High in Fiber
Guava provides dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant Power
The combination of guava, red onion, and cilantro offers a good dose of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
While fresh guava is highly recommended for optimal texture and flavor, frozen guava can be used if thawed and drained well, though the texture may be softer and less crisp.
