BRAZILIAN CHAYOTE “XUXU” SALAD

We absolutely love this chilled Brazilian Chayote Salad for its simple flavors. The soft garlic kissed squash really is the star in this dish.

Where does the name come from? 

Xuxu or chuchu, pronounced shoo-shoo in Brazil, is also known as a chayote. This popular squash grows everywhere in Brazil, making it a staple in the Brazilian diet and is used in fritters, soups, soufflés and salads like this.

The Taste

The vegetable can have a pleasant crunch when raw or gains a soft, almost creamy texture when cooked. Typically bland in flavor, chayote can absorb vinaigrettes quite well, making them ideal for cold salads.

Did you know that “chuchu” is also a term of endearment in Brazil? The dish is a perfect way to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Serve this as a first course before diving into a hearty Brazilian Churrasco. 

Chayote Salad (Salada de Xuxu)
Serves 4

Ingredients:
2 chayote, peeled, seeded, small diced
2 cups water
1 large garlic clove, sliced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

Directions:
1. Add the chayote, water, sliced garlic, salt and pepper to a medium sauce pot.  Allow to come to a boil over medium heat.  Continue to cook until fork tender, about 10 minutes.

2. Drain the chayote, placing the chayote in a bowl to chill in the refrigerator, covered, for one hour.

3. Make your basil vinaigrette: whisk together the minced garlic, basil, vinegar while drizzling in the oil.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. Reserve.

4. Gently toss the chayote in the basil vinaigrette until fully coated. Mix in the hard-boiled eggs or serve alongside the finished salad.  Garnish with chives and pickled red onions.

 

If you are looking for another salad idea, try out ENSALADA de NOPALITOS.