Suya-Spiced Rainbow Salad recipe

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If there’s one thing I love as a mom, it’s creating meals that are both healthy and bursting with flavor. With two energetic daughters, and my husband, who never says no to a good meal, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that keep things exciting at the dining table.

This Suya-Spiced Rainbow Salad is a perfect example of a fun and healthy recipe that is rich with nutrients. It’s colorful, crunchy, and has just the right amount of spice to make every bite irresistible.

I still remember the first time I made this salad. It was one of those evenings when I wanted something light yet filling, something that would make my girls excited to eat their veggies. You know how kids dread taking their veggies, I just needed to come up with something enticing to get them munching right away.

I decided to mix all our favorites; crisp lettuce, juicy apples, creamy avocado, and grilled chicken. Then added a Nigerian twist with suya pepper. The result? A delicious, creamy, spicy salad that quickly became a family favorite.

Now, this salad is a regular on our table, when I want to make a quick weekday dinner or a side dish for weekend gatherings, this is my go-to recipe. The best part? It’s so easy to make, and the layers of colors make it look as good as it tastes.

What is Suya spice?

Suya is a popular West African street food, especially loved in Nigeria, made from thinly sliced meat (usually beef, chicken, or ram) that is marinated in a spicy peanut-based rub (Suya spice or Yaji), then grilled over open flame on skewers.

Origin of Suya

Suya originates from the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria, where it has long been a cherished delicacy. Traditionally prepared by Hausa men known as Mai Suya (Suya sellers), it’s more than just food. It’s a cultural staple enjoyed at night markets, evening walks, family gatherings, and celebrations.

Suya has since become a national favorite across Nigeria and even in other parts of West Africa, thanks to its smoky flavor, spicy kick, and rich cultural roots.

So, when you season your salad with Suya spice, you’re giving it a taste of a centuries-old Nigerian tradition in a fresh, modern twist.

Suya spice, also known as Yaji, is a bold, flavorful, and spicy dry rub commonly used in Nigerian cuisine, most famously on Suya.

What’s in Suya Spice?

While recipes may vary slightly by region or family, the basic ingredients usually include:

Ground peanuts (or peanut powder) – for a nutty, slightly sweet base
Cayenne pepper or chili powder – for heat
Paprika – adds depth and smoky flavor
Ginger powder – for warmth and zing
Garlic powder – savory and aromatic
Onion powder – enhances the umami flavor

Ingredients for Suya-spiced Rainbow Salad

For the Salad

1/2 small head of purple cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 small head of white cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 large carrots, shredded
3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1 apple, diced
1 small head of lettuce, chopped
1/2 small size of cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
1 avocado, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cooked and seasoned chicken breast, chopped

For the Dressing

1 tablespoon suya pepper
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1 tablespoon salad cream
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions for preparing the suya-spiced rainbow salad

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Chop the cabbage, lettuce, apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Dice the avocado and set it aside. Shred the carrots and slice the eggs. Finally, chop the cooked chicken into small chunks.

Step 2: Layer the Salad

The beauty of this salad is in the layers In a large serving bowl, start with the purple and white cabbage as your base. Next, add the shredded carrots for a pop of orange, followed by the lettuce for a fresh green crunch. Layer on the cucumber slices, diced apples, chopped tomatoes, and onions. Gently place the avocado chunks and sliced eggs on top, then finish with the grilled chicken pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, salad cream, and lemon juice until smooth. Add the suya pepper and stir well. This is what gives the salad that delicious, smoky heat.

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the creamy suya dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently so that every layer gets a bit of the spicy, tangy dressing. If you want an extra kick, sprinkle a little more suya pepper on top.

Step 5: Enjoy with Family

At our house, this salad is best enjoyed with laughter and good conversation. Hubby loves his with an extra sprinkle of suya spice, while the girls prefer theirs with a little less heat. No matter how we tweak it, one thing remains the same, this salad is always a hit!