🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🥗 Salads > 🇬🇹 Guatemala Salads > 🥗 1.Fiambre Verde (Guatemalan Green Salad) , 2.Ensalada de Remolacha (Guatemalan Beet Salad) , 3.Ensalada de Repollo con Limón (Guatemalan Cabbage & Lime Salad)

🥗 Wholesome Guatemalan Salad Recipes for Everyday Comfort

🥗 Why Guatemalan Salads Deserve a Spot on Your Table

When people think about comfort food, salads don’t usually come to mind first. But Guatemalan salads?

That’s a whole different story. These salads are vibrant, colorful, deeply flavorful, and rooted in centuries-old food traditions. They’re the kind of dishes that feel nourishing, grounding, and wholesome—like a comforting meal disguised as something light and refreshing.

Outside Guatemala, these salads have started gaining attention because they offer a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, hearty ingredients, and homemade dressings that taste both familiar and exotic. They’re healthy without being boring, and simple enough that anyone can prepare them at home.

In this guide, you’ll explore three beloved Guatemalan salads commonly enjoyed across the country and increasingly popular worldwide:

✨ 1.Fiambre Verde – a fresh, veggie-forward version of the iconic holiday salad

✨ 2.Ensalada de Remolacha – a colorful beet salad with citrus and herbs

✨ 3.Ensalada de Repollo con Limón – a tangy Guatemalan-style cabbage salad

Each recipe includes ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, mistakes to avoid, FAQs, and a summary so you can recreate them confidently.

Let’s dive into Guatemala’s fresh and comforting side of cuisine!

🥬 Recipe 1: Fiambre Verde (Guatemalan Green Salad)

🌿 About This Recipe

Fiambre is one of Guatemala’s most iconic dishes, traditionally enjoyed during Día de los Muertos celebrations. But Fiambre Verde is the lighter, fresher, vegetable-focused version that’s perfect for everyday cooking.

This salad celebrates Guatemala’s abundance of fresh produce—crisp lettuces, crunchy veggies, aromatic herbs, and zesty dressing. It’s colorful, full of textures, and surprisingly comforting thanks to its layered flavors. Even though the traditional Fiambre can be complex, this “green” version is much easier to make while still honoring the classic flavors.

If you're looking for a refreshing yet hearty Guatemalan salad, Fiambre Verde is a fantastic place to start.

🧾 Ingredients & Measurements

• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and blanched

• 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced

• 1 cup cauliflower florets, lightly steamed

• ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)

• ½ cup chickpeas, cooked

• ½ cup hearts of palm, sliced

• ½ cup green olives, sliced

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon mustard

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced

🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions

1.Prep the Vegetables:

Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables. Lightly steam or blanch the green beans, peas, and cauliflower so they stay crisp but tender.

2.Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, mustard, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3.Combine the Ingredients:

Add all vegetables, chickpeas, hearts of palm, and olives into a large mixing bowl.

4.Add Dressing:

Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat all ingredients.

5.Finish with Herbs & Eggs:

Top the salad with sliced hard-boiled eggs, parsley, and cilantro.

6.Chill Before Serving:

Fiambre Verde tastes best when slightly chilled for 30–45 minutes.

💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Tips:

• Blanch vegetables quickly and shock them in ice water to keep bright colors.

• Hearts of palm add a lovely soft texture—highly recommended.

• Let the salad rest so flavors blend naturally.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don’t overcook the vegetables—they should stay crisp.

• Avoid overdressing; Fiambre Verde shouldn’t be soggy.

• Don’t skip the herbs—they add freshness and authentic flavor.

❓ FAQ

Q1: Can I prepare the salad a day before?

Yes, but store the dressing separately and mix just before serving.

Q2: Can I add proteins?

Yes—beans, chickpeas, or boiled eggs are traditional.

Q3: Is Fiambre Verde spicy?

No, but you can add mild peppers for extra flavor.

📝 Summary

Fiambre Verde is fresh, vibrant, and nourishing—everything a comforting Guatemalan salad should be. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and full of flavors that feel both lively and soothing.

🥕 Recipe 2: Ensalada de Remolacha (Guatemalan Beet Salad)

🍠 About This Recipe

Ensalada de Remolacha is a beautifully bright beet salad that perfectly captures Guatemala’s love for natural, earthy ingredients. This salad is sweet, tangy, refreshing, and incredibly colorful—think deep red beets, fragrant cilantro, and citrusy dressing.

You’ll find this dish in Guatemalan homes, at family dinners, during holidays, and even at local markets. It’s one of those salads that looks simple but delivers big flavor and comforting vibes.

If you love vibrant salads with a natural sweetness, this one will quickly become a favorite.

🧾 Ingredients & Measurements

• 3 medium beets, boiled and diced

• 1 cup carrots, diced and boiled

• ½ cup green beans, chopped and blanched

• ½ white onion, finely sliced

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon orange juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 garlic clove, minced

🍋 Step-by-Step Instructions

1.Cook the Beets:

Boil the beets until tender. Peel once cooled, then dice into small cubes.

2.Prepare the Other Vegetables:

Boil carrots until soft, and blanch green beans until crisp-tender.

3.Mix the Dressing:

Combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4.Combine Everything:

In a large bowl, add diced beets, carrots, green beans, and sliced onion.

5.Toss with Dressing:

Pour the citrus dressing over and mix gently.

6.Add Cilantro:

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.

7.Chill:

This salad tastes amazing when served cool.

💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Tips:

• Wear gloves when handling beets to avoid stains.

• Add orange zest for extra brightness.

•Let the salad rest 20 minutes before serving.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don’t overcook the carrots—they should hold their shape.

• Avoid adding cilantro too early; it loses freshness.

• Don't skip the citrus—it balances the earthy beet flavor.

❓ FAQ

Q1: Can I use roasted beets instead of boiled?

Yes! Roasting gives a sweeter, deeper flavor.

Q2: How long can this salad last?

Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Q3: Can I add potatoes?

Yes, many Guatemalan households add boiled potatoes.

📝 Summary

Ensalada de Remolacha is a fresh, tangy, beautifully earthy salad that brings vibrant color and nourishing comfort to any meal. It’s simple, delicious, and authentically Guatemalan.

🥬 Recipe 3: Ensalada de Repollo con Limón (Guatemalan Cabbage & Lime Salad)

🍋 About This Recipe

This cabbage and lime salad is one of Guatemala’s simplest yet most comforting salads. You’ll find it served everywhere—from street food stalls to family gatherings, alongside grilled meats, tamales, or even as a refreshing snack on its own.

What makes it special is its balance: crisp cabbage, bold lime, subtle sweetness, and a touch of salt. It’s light but satisfying, refreshing yet grounding. Think of it as Guatemala’s tangy answer to coleslaw—but cleaner, fresher, and much easier to prepare.

🧾 Ingredients & Measurements

• 3 cups shredded cabbage

• 1 medium carrot, grated

• ½ white onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

• 2–3 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

🥗 Step-by-Step Instructions

1.Prep the Vegetables:

Shred cabbage, grate carrots, and slice onion thinly.

2.Add Salt to Cabbage:

Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cabbage and massage gently for 1–2 minutes. This softens the texture slightly.

3.Mix the Dressing:

Combine lime juice, sugar, olive oil, and pepper in a small bowl.

4.Toss the Salad:

Add all vegetables into a large bowl and pour in the dressing.

5.Add Cilantro:

Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

6.Rest Briefly:

Let it sit 10 minutes to absorb flavors.

💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Tips:

• Red cabbage adds beautiful color if you want variety.

• A splash of orange juice makes it sweeter and more aromatic.

• Serve chilled for maximum freshness.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don’t oversalt the cabbage—it shrinks too much.

• Avoid soggy texture by adding dressing right before serving.

• Don’t cut onions too thick—they overpower the salad.

❓ FAQ

Q1: Can I add jalapeños?

Yes! Many Guatemalans add mild peppers for flavor.

Q2: How long does this salad keep?

About 24 hours—cabbage stays crisp but cilantro may wilt.

Q3: Can I make it without onion?

Absolutely. It still tastes great without it.

📝 Summary

Ensalada de Repollo con Limón is crisp, tangy, refreshing, and incredibly comforting in its simplicity. It’s the kind of salad you can make in minutes and enjoy with almost anything.

🌈 Final Thoughts

Guatemalan salads prove that comfort food can be fresh, simple, and full of life. These dishes aren’t just “salads”—they’re nourishment with heart and history. From the vibrant Fiambre Verde, to the colorful and citrusy Ensalada de Remolacha, to the crisp and tangy Ensalada de Repollo con Limón, each recipe brings out the natural beauty of Guatemalan ingredients.

And the best part?

They’re all incredibly easy to make.

Try them one by one, tweak them to your liking, and enjoy discovering new flavors.

Whenever you’re ready for more Guatemalan cuisine—or recipes from any other country—I’m here to help you explore!

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