Foreign Dish: Ghanaian Salad (How To Prepare it)

Salad is a side dish that adds flavor to one’s delicacy, it is usually a very rich vegetable-packed meal. 

As the tussle for Nigerian and Ghana Jollof continues, let us add Ghanaian salad to the menu as well.

Ghanaian salad stands out as a colorful and delicious ensemble that’s more than just a side dish.

It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines the freshness of vegetables with the richness of various proteins and a creamy dressing.

Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish, starting with the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients

• 1 head of lettuce, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 3 boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 can of baked beans, drained
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 cup of sweet corn
• 1 cup of cooked macaroni (optional)
• 1 can of tuna (or cooked chicken), drained
• 1 can of corned beef, crumbled
• 1 can of sardines in oil, drained and flaked
• For the dressing:
• ½ cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A splash of evaporated milk (optional for extra creaminess)

Assembling your Ghanaian salad

With all your ingredients at the ready, let’s put together this Ghanaian delight.

• Vegetable prep: Start by thoroughly washing your vegetables. Chop the lettuce, slice the tomatoes and cucumbers, and grate the carrots to form the base of your salad.
• Egg boiling: Boil your eggs until firm, cool, peel, and then slice them. These will add a nice texture and a boost of protein to your salad.
• Layering time: In a large mixing bowl or on a platter, create the first layer with lettuce, followed by tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and sweet corn. If you’re opting for macaroni, it should be layered in next.
• Protein punch: Now for the proteins – evenly spread the drained and flaked tuna (or chicken) across the salad. Next, add crumbled corned beef and sardines for that rich, meaty flavor unique to Ghanaian salad.
• Dress it up: Whisk together mayonnaise, vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, and a splash of evaporated milk for the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Aim for a creamy consistency that will generously coat your salad ingredients.
• Mix and garnish: Pour the dressing over your salad and gently toss to ensure every ingredient is well-dressed.

Garnish with the sliced boiled eggs and, if you like, sprinkle more of grated carrot or even some sliced avocado for a creamy finish.

The Ghanaian salad is a celebration of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. It’s hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own or as a substantial side that’s sure to impress.