Welcome to a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean Netherlands! This Chayote Salad recipe encapsulates the essence of the region, combining fresh, crisp ingredients with a burst of tropical flair. Chayote, a versatile vegetable commonly found in Caribbean cuisine, takes center stage in this refreshing salad, accompanied by a medley of colorful vegetables and zesty dressing. Whether you're looking to add a burst of Caribbean sunshine to your table or simply craving a healthy and flavorful dish, this Chayote Salad is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. Let's dive into the recipe and savor the taste of paradise!

Ingredients:

• 2 chayote squash, peeled and diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Prepare the chayote squash by peeling them and removing the seeds. Dice the squash into small cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

2- Add the thinly sliced red onion and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the chayote squash.

3- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4- Pour the dressing over the chayote squash mixture in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

5- Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6- Once ready to serve, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if necessary.

7- Transfer the Caribbean Netherlands Chayote Salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

8- Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or light meal, perfect for any occasion!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

Chayote Squash (2 squash, peeled and diced):

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 40% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin K: 20% of DV

benefits:

• Rich in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps in weight management.
• High in vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
• Contains folate, essential for cell division and DNA synthesis.

Red Onion (1 small onion, thinly sliced):

• Calories: 30
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 10% of DV
• Folate: 4% of DV

benefits:

• Contains flavonoids and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Contains quercetin, a compound that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup chopped):

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin A: 2% of DV
• Vitamin C: 2% of DV

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and vision health.
• May have antimicrobial properties and aid in digestion.

Lime Juice (Juice of 2 limes):

• Calories: 20
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 60% of DV

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes collagen production.
• Contains antioxidants that may protect against cell damage and chronic diseases.
• May aid in digestion and promote hydration.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 20g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Vitamin E: 30% of DV

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which may improve heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol.
• Contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which protect cells from oxidative damage.
• May reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar control.

Nutritional values for salt and pepper are negligible as they are used in small amounts for seasoning and do not significantly contribute to the overall nutritional content of the dish.