A delicious green banana (green fig) salad recipe

Try this creamy green banana salad with fresh vegetables and spices for your next option for Sunday lunch. This great side option or even as a meal, is just an amazing mix of flavors and textures. 

Let me introduce you to another delicious salad.

Green fig salad, where unexpected flavors and textures mingle in a dance of culinary creativity.

If you’ve never considered green banana as the star of your salad bowl, prepare to have your taste buds pleasantly surprised. And make sure you also check out my green fig souse recipe.

This isn’t your typical leafy affair; we’re talking about a vibrant ensemble of colors, flavors, and nutrients that will have you rethinking your salad game entirely. So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a journey that will tantalize your senses and leave you craving more. 

What is green fig?

Green fig refers to the unripe or green stage of the fig fruit, also known as the fig banana. In the context of this recipe, green fig holds great significance as it serves as the base ingredient for green fig salad. We interchange calling green bananas green figs.

Unlike regular bananas, green figs are consumed before they fully ripen. They have a firm texture and a slightly starchy taste, which differs from the soft and sweet taste of ripe bananas. Green figs are packed with nutrients such as dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

The green fig salad recipe utilizes the unique characteristics of green figs to create a refreshing and healthy dish. The firm texture of green figs adds a satisfying crunch to the salad, while their subtle flavor compliments the other ingredients.

Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish, the green fig salad provides a delightful mix of flavors and textures, all thanks to the inclusion of green fig as a key ingredient.

What does green fig taste like?

Green bananas have a taste and texture distinct from their ripe, yellow counterparts. When green, bananas are starchy and firm, with a flavor that leans more towards a mild tanginess rather than the sweetness associated with ripe bananas.

The texture is dense and less creamy, almost akin to that of a potato or plantain. Some describe the taste as slightly earthy or grassy, with hints of tartness. In dishes like salads, green bananas add a unique depth and texture, offering a refreshing and unexpected twist to traditional recipes.

Health benefits of green banana

Green bananas boast numerous health benefits, serving as a versatile potato alternative. They’re rich in potassium and crucial for heart health, blood pressure regulation, and muscle function. Additionally, their fiber content aids digestion, prevents constipation, and supports weight management by promoting fullness. With low sugar levels, they’re ideal for those monitoring blood sugar levels, while their resistant starch acts as a prebiotic, nurturing gut health.

How to make green fig salad

Ingredient Notes

• Green banana – also referred to as green fig. Can easily be found in most Caribbean and Latin American supermarkets.
• Mixed vegetables – A can of mixed vegetables, or a small can of peas and carrots can be used.
• Sweet peppers – Getting three different colors of peppers would be great. If limited to just one, try to make it a red bell pepper to make the salad pretty in color. These add a nice sweet flavor.
• Pimento peppers – this is a seasoning pepper that is heavily used in Trinidad & Tobago. It can be left out if you don’t have any, but make sure to add additional seasonings to the salad.
• Salt and pepper are essential components that help to season the dressing and bring all the flavors together. The amount of salt and pepper can be adjusted according to taste.
• Onion – Yellow or white onions can be used. We want this grated or finely chopped. I use my mini food processor to get them fine. Red onions would add a nice tangy option.

Make sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list and the quantities.

Variations

In addition boiled eggs and other vegetables can be included to add more texture and nutrients to the dish. Boiled eggs can be chopped or sliced while vegetables like diced tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers can contribute to freshness and crunch. Another great addition is whole-kernel corn.

Also, try some mustard to add a bit of tanginess. Honey mustard is also a good variation.

Instructions

To make a delicious green banana salad, follow these simple steps for the cooking process:

1. On medium high heat, bring a large pot of salted water to boil on the stove. Also, add a little bit of vegetable oil to the boiling water.
2. Prepare the green bananas by first cutting off the ends of the bananas and pulling the knife down the length of the banana. Then place them into the salted water.

3. Boil the bananas till they are fork-tender.
4. In a large bowl place the chopped onions, mixed vegetables, celery, chives, bell peppers, and about 1/2 cup mayonnaise.

5. Strain the green figs from the water and remove the skin once they are tender. When they are cool enough to touch, chop them up into small pieces, like potato salad.
6. Combine the cooked green bananas with the chopped-up mix in the bowl.

7. Start adding in the remaining mayonnaise if needed. Add more according to taste and desired creaminess.
8. Gently mix in all the remaining ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to mash the cooked banana too much, as you want to maintain some texture.
9. Add salt and black pepper and season to taste.
10. Once the green fig salad is thoroughly mixed, it is ready to serve. You can enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Recipe tips

• When handling the bananas, adding a little oil to your hands would help avoid sticking from the sort of sap it sometimes releases that can stain and even tend to itch.
• If using the frozen vegetable mix, place them in hot water and let them sit for about 15 minutes, then drain water off. We want to get the mix to room temperature.

The serving suggestions for green bananas are diverse. Boiled green bananas can be used as a side dish in a variety of meals, such as stews or curries, providing a nutritious and filling accompaniment.

Fried green bananas can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, enhanced with seasonings like salt or spices. Baked green bananas can be enjoyed as a guilt-free snack, either on their own or paired with dips or spreads.

Best way to store green banana salad

While green banana salad is delicious and refreshing, it is important to store it properly to maintain its quality and taste.

It is best to prepare this salad just before serving to ensure they remain crisp and fresh. Therefore, it is recommended to make the salad close to the time it will be served, preferably within 15 minutes. This prevents the bananas from becoming too soft or mushy.

If there are leftovers or you need to store the salad for later use, there are a few methods to consider. One option is to store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method helps to maintain the freshness of the salad by keeping it cool and preventing exposure to air, which can cause it to brown.

Another alternative is to store the dressing and other ingredients separately from the sliced green bananas. This prevents the bananas from absorbing too much moisture from the dressing, which can lead to a soggy texture. When ready to serve, simply combine the ingredients and toss the dressing with the bananas.

Pairing with green banana salad

Green banana salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

It’s great with:

• Stewed lamb: The savory characteristics of the lamb perfectly balance the slightly tangy and starchy taste of the green banana salad.
• Chicken: The subtle flavors of the chicken beautifully enhance the taste of the banana salad, creating a delightful harmony.
• Seafood: Green banana salad also makes an excellent accompaniment to various seafood dishes. The freshness and juiciness of seafood beautifully contrast with the dense texture of the salad, resulting in a delightful burst of flavors. Green banana and salt fish, is a perfect example off this.

Try more side dish salads

• Potato salad
• Cassava salad
• Conch salad