This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
This Nigerian salad is healthy, filling, and absolutely delicious! Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for gatherings or anytime you want something fresh and tasty.
Satisfying on its own and full of color, it’s easy to see why this Nigerian vegetable salad is always a party favorite.
With vibrant veggies, eggs, and beans dressed in salad cream, Nigerian salad fits right into backyard gatherings and summer barbecues. You (and everyone else) will surely be glad you learned how to make Nigerian salad!
This Nigerian party salad can easily change how you look at vegetable dishes.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Now that you know how to make salad in Nigeria, give your taste buds and routine a favor and explore more Nigerian dinner ideas!
Try comforting main meals like egg stew or fried rice next!
Why You’ll Love This Nigerian Salad Recipe
- This Nigerian salad recipe is one of those fresh salads that will leave you full and satisfied. Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and eggs, it’s as good for you as it is delicious.
- Learning how to prepare Nigerian salad is easy wherever you are, as it only needs simple ingredients. You can also experiment with substitutes to suit the season, your diet, or your cravings!
- This Nigerian vegetable salad recipe proves salads are not boring! Full of textures, flavors, and feel-good ingredients, it’s one of those colorful salads that make sense for a party.
Ingredients
Carrots, lettuce, and cabbage – Fresh, crunchy vegetables shine in this Nigerian vegetable salad recipe. You can use store-bought shredded greens to save time.
Canned peas and sweet corn – Frozen veggies also work, but I recommend letting them thaw in the microwave, then draining the water to avoid adding excess liquid to the Nigerian salad.
Tomatoes – Use Roma tomatoes, as other varieties might make the salad soggy.
Cucumbers – For the best texture, peel and seed the cucumbers.
Eggs – Read on for other protein sources you can use!
Potatoes – To give the salad more body and make it more filling. You can also turn this into a Nigerian pasta salad.
Baked beans in tomato sauce – Draining the excess liquid from canned baked beans is a matter of preference. Some prefer adding the sauce to their Nigerian cabbage salad!
Salad cream – You can also make the Nigerian salad with mayonnaise.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Nigerian Vegetable Salad
Mayonnaise
If you don’t have Heinz salad cream, mayonnaise is a great substitute for the salad dressing.
Pasta
This Nigerian salad can be as substantial as you like, with plenty of carbs. Use cooked farfalle instead of potatoes!
Beans
While saucy baked beans are typical for a Nigerian vegetable salad, you can use other beans like navy beans and black-eyed peas!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Soften the Veggies
If you like, you can soak the cabbage in warm water to soften it. You can also gently simmer the carrots on low heat to soften them.
Customize Your Cuts
We like grating the carrots because the texture blends well in the salad, but if you prefer more bite, you can chop them instead.
Storage Tips
You can make this Nigerian salad a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftovers will keep up to 2 days in the fridge.
Nigerian Vegetable Salad Recipe FAQs
What is in a Nigerian salad?
Nigerian salad is typically a mix of eggs, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans tossed in a tangy salad cream. However, every Nigerian home has its own way of making it. Some versions are even made with corned beef!
What can I eat with Nigerian vegetable salad?
This hearty Nigerian cabbage salad makes the perfect African side dish for Nigerian tomato stew or Jollof rice if you want a well-rounded meal!
What’s Nigerian salad cream dressing?
Do you need baked beans for Nigerian salad?
Nope, but it’s a classic addition to Nigerian vegetable salad. You can use other canned beans as an alternative!
What is a good egg substitute for Nigerian salad?
You can swap boiled eggs for firm tofu in this Nigerian salad. And for a completely vegan version of the dish, use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular dressing.
More Delicious Nigerian Recipes
I found this recipe for Nigerian Masa Fermented Rice Cake Balls that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Nigerian Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots, peeled
- 1 bunch lettuce
- 1/2 small cabbage
- 1/2 cup canned peas
- 1/2 cup canned corn
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 2 small cucumbers
- 3 eggs
- 3 potatoes
- 1 cup baked beans in tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup salad cream
Instructions
- Grate the peeled carrots using a medium grater. Wash the greens, then finely shred them.
- Cut the tomatoes, remove the core, and dice them into small cubes. Peel the cucumbers, remove the seeds, and dice them into small cubes. Drain and rinse the canned beans, peas, and corn.
- Hard-boil the eggs for 7 to 10 minutes, then cool and peel. Slice into rounds. Boil the potatoes until tender, peel, and cut into cubes. For easier clean-up, you can use the same pot for both the eggs and potatoes.
- In a large bowl, start layering the ingredients except for the eggs and baked beans. Begin with the lettuce and cabbage, then add the rest in layers, arranging by color if you like.
- Continue layering until everything is used up. Add the baked beans as the top layer.
- Finish by placing the sliced eggs on top. You can also line a few slices around the sides of the bowl for a nice presentation.
- Serve right away or chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Nigerian salad is usually served with salad cream or mayonnaise, but you can use any dressing you prefer.
Notes
- If you like, you can soak the cabbage in warm water to soften it. You can also gently simmer the carrots on low heat to soften them.
- We like grating the carrots because the texture blends well in the salad, but if you prefer more bite, you can chop them instead.
- You can make this Nigerian salad a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftovers will keep up to 2 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
