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caribbean salad

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Gluten Free Side Dishes Vegetarian

Smashed Cucumber Chow.

2 Comments on Smashed Cucumber Chow.

After sharing this video on YouTube, the comments were very interesting. From “Why?”, to “Only a man would do this”, and “brilliant on it’s own or on the side of grilled salmon”. Chow is basically a quick spicy pickle we make in the Caribbean. Usually made with tart fruit (like green mango or Pommecythere aka golden apple ) and enjoyed as a snack by both kids and adults alike. Except adults tend to enjoy it better when there’s beer and cocktails involved. Note! typically the cucumber is cut into slices or wedges when this chow is done the traditional way.

You’ll Need…

2 Medium English Cucumbers (any cucumber will work)
1 tablespoon sea salt (divided)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 Wiri Wiri Peppers (any spicy pepper will work)
3-4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon Shado Beni (chopped) * Cilantro will work too
2 shallots (or a small red onion – sliced thin)
1 lemon (juice)
1 tablespoon Korean pepper paste (Gochujang)

Important! If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs. If you cannot source Wiri Wiri (coffee) Peppers, any spicy pepper will work.

Wash the cucumbers, then smash then using a rolling pin or as in my case, my wooden pestle. It will get messy! Then give the pieces a rough chop. Finally, add the pieces to a bowl and toss them with 1/2 the salt mentioned above.

The salt will do two things for us. It will help to pull out some of the water or tart juice from the cucumbers and two, in doing so allow the cucumbers to absorb the flavors we’ll add later.

As this sit in the salt, place the remaining salt, garlic and Wiri Wiri peppers in your mortar and crush to a paste. After 30 minutes, drain the cucumber to get rid of the liquid which will naturally sprout.

Now top the drained cucumber with that crushed pepper/garlic paste.

Basically all you have to do after is add all the other ingredients mentioned and give it a good toss.

The Korean pepper paste (Gochujang) is NOT traditional to this recipe (nor the shallots), but ever since our trip to Seoul a few years back I just enjoy adding it to this type of chow. There’s a deep fermented (almost smoky too) flavor it adds to the finished chow, that takes it to different level (IMHO).

I like placing it in a container with a lid and allow it to chill in the fridge before I tuck in. As a snack or a spicy salad, there’s no denying that it’s refreshing and an excellent way to make use of cucumbers.

Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Gluten Free Side Dishes Vegetarian

Zesty Cucumber Chow (Salad).

1 Comment on Zesty Cucumber Chow (Salad).

spicy cucumber salad (8)

As a young fella on the islands my brother and I would always volunteer to go help dad in the garden whenever we knew cucumbers were in season. We had a stash of salt and a few cloves of garlic in the make-shift shed, where dad would take his breaks from the midday sun. With scotch bonnet pepper (congo as we’d say) and shado beni fresh from the garden.. we’d always make a huge bowl of this ‘chow’ with the ‘baby’ cucumbers (always the sweetest). Immediately after we’d hit the river to go fishing, followed by hours of swimming in the cool refreshing waters of the Guaracara river. Funny thing is dad never got our assistance, but he never peeped a word to mom!

You’ll Need…

6 Dill cucumbers
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 lemon (juice)
8-12 cherry tomatoes
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (no seeds)
2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
1 clove garlic (crused or diced fine)
1/2 small red onion (optional)

Note: you can use any cucumber you have on hand and the option to peel or not is totally up to you. Remember to wear gloves when handling scotch bonnet peppers and to wash your hands immediately after with soap and water. You can cut back or use more of the pepper if you wish. Traditionally we would use shado beni (culantro) instead of the cilantro.

It was early summer when I did this recipe so I had access to what’s called dill cucumbers (basically small cucumbers) for this recipe, but you can use any cucumber you have on hand. You have the option of peeling or not. In my case, these small cucumbers are quite sweet and I find that the skin adds a lovely texture to it all. What I would recommend doing is not only washing them very well, but to soak them in cool water to make sure all the dirt and sand drops of them.

Cut the stems and bottoms off and cut into spears and place in a large bowl. I also had some cherry tomatoes, so I opted to add them to the salad/chow for some added flavor, color and texture. You can use any tomato you have.

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Crush or dice the garlic very finely, chop the cilantro and you can dice the scotch bonnet or cut it into large pieces so when you serve it, your guests can easily identify the pieces and avoid them.

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Basically all you’re doing at this point is assembling everything together and giving it a good toss. For best results, allow it to chill and marinate in the fridge for about 1/2 hour.

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If you’re new to Caribbean cuisine or this website, ‘chow’ is basically a spicy pickle we make with tart fruits.. in most cases green mangoes, pineapple etc. In this case we used cucumbers with the same sort of effect.. except, you’ll get a more juicy and refreshing finish.

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If you don’t have lemons you can use lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile and if spicy is not your thing.. you can leave out the scotch bonnet pepper. In the video below you’ll notice that I didn’t add any red onions.. so that is totally optional.

 

Gluten Free Side Dishes Vegetarian

Avocado Grapefruit Salad

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This vibrant Avocado Grapefruit Salad is a light and refreshing dish that perfectly balances creamy, tart, and spicy Caribbean flavors. Inspired by the abundance of fruit trees in island backyards, this simple recipe brings together ripe avocados, juicy grapefruit, and a subtle kick from bird’s eye pepper. It’s an easy, no-cook option ideal for warm-weather meals or quick lunches, and it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re embracing a healthier lifestyle or just looking for something bright and satisfying, this Caribbean-inspired salad is a flavorful way to enjoy the freshness of local produce.

Avocado and grapefruit salad on a plate ready to serve

Ingredient Guide

  • Avocado: Choose ripe avocados for a creamy texture that balances the tartness of grapefruit.
  • Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness and crunch to the salad.
  • Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal note that complements the citrus flavors.
  • Grapefruit: Offers a juicy, tangy sweetness that pairs well with avocado.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the salad.
  • Bird’s Eye Pepper: Introduces a spicy kick; adjust to taste.

Shopping Made Easy

  • Avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness.
  • Red Onions: Available in the produce section; choose firm bulbs with dry, papery skins.
  • Cilantro: Look for fresh cilantro in the herb section, selecting vibrant green leaves that are not wilted.
  • Grapefruits: Choose heavy fruits with smooth, firm skins for juiciness.
  • Bird’s Eye Peppers: Available at Caribbean or international markets; can substitute with chili flakes if unavailable.

Cooking Notes from the Kitchen

  • Preventing Avocado Browning: If not serving immediately, drizzle sliced avocado with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
  • Segmenting Grapefruit: Use a sharp knife to remove the peel and white pith, then cut between the membranes to release segments.
  • Adjusting Heat: Adjust the amount of bird’s eye pepper to suit your preferred spice level.

What makes this salad uniquely Caribbean?

The combination of fresh, tropical ingredients, like avocado and grapefruit, along with the use of bird’s eye pepper, reflects the vibrant flavors typical of Caribbean cuisine.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Are there any substitutions for bird’s eye pepper?

If bird’s eye peppers are unavailable, you can use a small amount of finely chopped chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes as a substitute.

grapefruit salad
Print Recipe

Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Cuisine: Recipe Keys: Gluten Free Quick Meals
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 12 mins Total Time 12 mins
Servings: 2

Description

A quick, vegan, gluten-free salad featuring creamy avocado, tangy grapefruit, crisp onion, and a hint of Caribbean heat, accented by the heat of bird’s eye pepper, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.

Ingredients

Instructions

Video

  1. Slice the avocados into wedges. If not serving immediately, drizzle with lemon juice to prevent them from browning.

  2. Thinly slice the red onion and finely chop the cilantro.

  3. Segment the grapefruit, removing all peel and pith, and separate the segments.

  4. On a serving plate, arrange the avocado slices, grapefruit segments, and red onion.

  5. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and bird’s eye pepper over the salad.

  6. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Caribbean-inspired salad.

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Gluten Free Side Dishes Vegetarian

Caribbean Orange Pineapple Salad.

1 Comment on Caribbean Orange Pineapple Salad.

Orange Pineapple Salad (10)

If you’re familiar with what we call ‘chow’ in the southern Caribbean, you’ll see the same basic principles used in this recipe. “Chow’ is basically a sort of spicy pickle, usually made from a tart fruit like mango, plum, pineapple and when these fruits are not in season cucumber can also be used. It’s supposed to have herbal, garlic and hot pepper elements to really appeal to the taste buds.

In this recipe we’ll focus on two main ingredient.. sliced oranges and diced pineapple chunks!

 

You’ll Need…

4 oranges
1 cup cubed pineapple
pinch sea salt
pinch black pepper
1 clove garlic (crushed)
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper

* If you’re using canned pineapple, fell free to toss in about 2 tablespoon of the juice it’s packed in. The more this marinates, the stronger the flavors will be. Remember to always go through the list of ingredients if making this gluten free to ensure it meets with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

 

Peel the oranges and slice them into 1/4 inch slices… I used seedless oranges so be mindful of the seeds if your oranges contain seeds. You can use any of your favorite citrus if you want to be a bit creative.

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In my case I used fresh pineapple as I try to keep away from canned foods as much as I can. The sodium and preservatives that’s usually added is something I know my body just does not need.. plus fresh pineapples are readily available and relatively cheap.  Peel, remove the core and dice into small pieces- see my note above about using canned pineapple.

Orange Pineapple Salad (5)

Crush the garlic, and finely chop the cilantro (in the Caribbean we’d use shado beni aka Culantro) and scotch bonnet pepper.

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It’s now time to assemble everything.. place in a deep bowl and combine all the ingredients. Remember to wear gloves when handling scotch bonnet peppers, wash your hands immediately after with soap and water and do not use any of the seeds if you’re concerned about the raw heat. I like using fresh ground black pepper and sea salt, but use what you have.. no need to go out and buy sea salt.

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Orange Pineapple Salad (8)

Orange Pineapple Salad (9)

Allow everything to marinate in the fridge for an hour or so for best results.. you can also add some diced cucumber and drizzle on a little honey to balance off the heat if it’s a concern of yours. Do I need a dressing for this? Nah.. this is a wicked salad all on it’s own.

Gluten Free Side Dishes Vegetarian

A Refreshing Mango Strawberry Salad.

6 Comments on A Refreshing Mango Strawberry Salad.

I was doing a chef’s table a few months back and I wanted to include a tropical salad in the mix, so Caron suggested I do a take on ‘mango chow’ and hinted that I should add a “Canadian’ element by using some sliced strawberries in the mix. It was such a hit with the 30 + people in attendance that I’ve now made it several times.

This is an excellent salad when you’re looking for something light and refreshing… but with a slight kick from the bird’s eye pepper and fresh garlic.

 

You’ll Need…

2 mangoes (ripe but firm)
2 cups strawberry
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 birds eye pepper (deseed and chop fine)
black pepper (optional)
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt (any salt you like)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 medium red onion

 

Note: If you don’t have bird’s eye pepper you can use a 1/4 of a scotch bonnet or habanero pepper and a few drops of pepper sauce (hot sauce)  is also a excellent alternative. If you’re concerned about the heat you can omit the ‘pepper’ from the recipe.

Prep the fruit. Wash, peel and cube the mango. Trim (remove the stems) off the strawberries, wash, pat dry and slice into 1/4 inch pieces. Deseed the bird’s eye pepper and chop finely and remember to wash your hands with soap and water immediately handling the peppers. Then it’s just a matter slicing the red onion very thin and dicing the garlic.

All you have to do now now is assemble everything thing in a large bowl and top with the salt, black pepper, lemon (or lime) juice and toss in the chopped cilantro.

You can serve this immediately, but I find that if you leave it to marinate for about 30 minutes in the fridge (cover with plastic wrap) the flavors are more pronounced. Do remember to give it a final toss before serving. You can add your favorite (firm) fruit to the mix and cubed cucumber or pineapple works great in this salad as well.

My Trinbagonian friends will be looking at this recipe and say “lawd.. Chris fooling people with chow”. True That! But to a global audience this is a great introduction to our beloved chow (a very spicy fruit pickle which blends sour or tart flavors with herbs, citrus and heat from scotch bonnet peppers).

Before you go, don’t forget to check out the latest cooking videos, connect with me on twitter and join our community on facebook. Oh yea! Leave me a comment below – it’s appreciated.

Side Dishes

A Delightful Caribbean Breadfruit Salad.

13 Comments on A Delightful Caribbean Breadfruit Salad.

Over the years I’ve shared many delightful recipes using breadfruit, so it gives me great pleasure to be able to share this wonderful breadfruit salad (like a potato salad) with you. I have a number of breadfruit recipes in my arsenal I’d like to share with you, but being in Canada means paying very heavy prices.. ‘when’ it’s available in the markets. BTW the breadfruit pie recipe is still one of the most well received recipes I’ve shared to date.

 

You’ll Need…

3 cups cubed breadfruit (cooked)
1/2 cup bell pepper
1/4 scotch bonnet pepper (diced fine)
1/2 cup celery (diced finely)
1/4 cup red onion diced finely
3/4 can peas and carrots
3 hard boiled eggs (diced)
pinch paprika
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
pinch black pepper

* We cooked the breadfruit in salted water so I didn’t add any further salt, but do adjust to your own liking.

Peel, core and boil the breadfruit in salted water. Cool, then cube into 1/2 inch pieces. Then prepare the other ingredients so it’s just a matter of assembling when the breadfruit has had time to cool.

If you struggle to get perfectly boiled eggs, check out this video tip: How To Cook Perfect Boiled Eggs. << Click! Then it’s just a matter of cutting the boiled eggs into small pieces.

Place the breadfruit, eggs, onion, scotch bonnet pepper (no seeds), celery, bell pepper and the peas and carrots (drain and rinse with cool water) in a large bowl, then get ready to make the rick and creamy sauce to bring everything together.

Stir (be gentle) well. Then in a small bowl, place the mayo, vinegar, mustard and black pepper and whisk. Now pour this mixture into the bowl with the other ingredients mix well (with a folding motion) and finally top with a dusting of paprika.

Be sure to place in the fridge to chill before serving. Yet another delicious recipe using breadfruit, especially during the summer months when you’re having those wonderful BBQ events.

 Before you go, don’t forget to check out the latest cooking videos, connect with me on twitter and join our community on facebook. oh yea! leave me a comment below – it’s appreciated.