Also known as ‘Choko’ or ‘mirliton,’ chayote is a pear-shaped Central American type of summer squash. And not only is it tasty, but it’s also very good for you. It’s a great source of fiber and magnesium, and it also contains tons of folate. Some people compare it to the cucumber. Others say it’s more like jicama. Luckily, you can try these ten chayote squash recipes and decide for yourself.
1. Chayote Squash With Tomato and Green Chilies
This spicy recipe takes about 45 minutes to make, but it’s the perfect summer side dish. It combines several of your Tex-Mex favorites: red chiles, tomatoes, garlic, and more. It’s extremely flavorful, and the tender texture of the squash is wonderful. It also has a lot of spice but not a ton of heat. That makes it perfect for those who can’t handle spicy dishes. You’ll also add a little Monterey Jack cheese for a cheesy, buttery flavor that’s hard not to love.
2. Spicy Pan-Roasted Chayote Squash
This 20-minute side dish is vegetarian and vegan-friendly and spicy to the max. The only solid ingredients you’ll need are the squash and an onion. Everything else is either oil or a spice of some kind. Still, the veggies’ texture is similar to roasted potatoes, so they’re pretty filling. Enjoy this alone, or as a side dish to something like Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken. Or try it in tacos, burritos, or loaded nachos.
3. Chinese Stir-Fried Chayote
Because chayote is a Central American food, people often use it in Latin American cuisine. For this recipe, though, you’ll whip up something a bit more Eastern. This dish may not look like your typical stir-fry. However, once you get a taste of the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, you’ll feel that familiar Asian flair. The recipe calls for dried shrimp but you can substitute mushrooms for a vegan-friendly option. You’ll also want to leave out the chicken bouillon in that case.
4. Roasted Chayote Squash With Herbs
Here’s another healthy and filling roasted chayote recipe. At first glance, this one looks like a pan of roasted green apples. It’s chayote, though, and not much else. This recipe uses only six ingredients: chayote, oil, onions, and a selection of herbs. It has a fantastic, delicate flavor that’s herby and earthy without being too loud. It’s the perfect complement to any lean protein. You can even serve it for breakfast with your eggs and bacon. (Think of it like roasted potatoes, and it doesn’t seem so weird.)
5. Chayote Squash With Dried Shrimp
This one, too, is a recipe for chayote stir-fry with shrimp and it probably looks a bit more like the stir-fry you’re used to eating. That’s because it features a more traditional stir-fry base of carrots, glass noodles, etc. This one is also milder and less spicy, though you could add ginger if you prefer the heat. If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch option, this one takes only 25 minutes.
6. Cilantro Lime Chayote Slaw
This colorful, 10-minute dish features plenty of fresh flavors. It also requires no cooking whatsoever. Instead, you’ll simply prepare all the ingredients and mix them. The jalapeños give it some heat, while the lime juice cools it down and makes it zesty. The sea salt brings saltiness and all the other veggies provide the garden-fresh flavor. It’s 100% vegan-friendly and takes practically no effort to make. You can serve it as a side dish, on tacos, or even as BBQ slaw. It’s very versatile!
7. Chayote Squash and Pickled Onion Salad
This sweet-n-sour pickled onion salad isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re a fan of pickled okra and other sour and tangy greens, you’ll enjoy it. It has a bright, zesty flavor. The vinaigrette comes through strongly, and the sugar doesn’t do much to dull the onions. It’s a crisp, refreshing dish that’s ideal for summer barbecues. Just don’t be surprised if it doesn’t find many fans among the kiddos.
8. Creamy Chayote Gratin
This creamy, cheesy chayote gratin is a unique dish, unlike anything you’ve ever tried. It has an interesting texture that’s like grits but thicker and creamier. The taste is hard to describe, as well. There are notes of butter and cheese, of course, but the chayote takes on a strange flavor in this one. Perhaps it’s the combination of chayote and herbs, but the result is hard to describe. It’s delicious; don’t get me wrong. It’s just hard to explain. If you’re a fan of Gruyere cheese and herbs, let’s just say you’ll like it.
9. Chayote Chile Soup
Looking for a vegan-friendly brunch or lunch that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Well, if so, you’ve just found it! Chayote chile soup is full of things that are good for you, and it tastes great, too. It has a full-flavored fresh veggie taste. It’s also delightfully smooth and creamy. It’s one of those foods that just makes you feel healthier for having eaten it. You have plenty of options on how to make it, too! You can cook it on the stovetop, in your pressure cooker, or in an Instant Pot! It’s hard to argue with that kind of convenience.
10. Vietnamese Chayote Squash With Beef
I’ll admit that this Vietnamese dish isn’t the prettiest option on our list. Don’t let that stop you from trying it, though, because it’s YUMMY. The steak is thinly sliced, well-seasoned, and juicy. The chayote retains its signature crunch and fresh flavor. And the whole thing is absolutely overflowing with umami goodness. It takes less than an hour to pull together, and it’s hearty enough to serve by itself. Of course, if you want to add a side of rice or noodles, you can. It’s certainly not necessary, though. Click on a star to rate it!
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