This is not your average fruit salad, people. This jicama salad, known as xec, is a citrus salad from the Yucatan state in Mexico. Xec is actually the Mayan word for salad, or ensalada. It is a quick and easy dish that is a classical side during the Day of the Dead. The ingredients in this salad may change depending on the time of year, as people use the seasonal produce that is available. Typically, though, the salad is made up of jicama, citrus fruit, and either chili powder or freshly diced serrano or habañero peppers. A classic ingredient list is as follows:
- Jicama
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Mandarin (or tangerine)
- Sour orange
- chili powder
- Salt
- Pepper
In Yucatan, jicama is in season from November to January. It’s very common to see this salad sold by local vendors in markets in Mexico, but the ingredients can vary with the seasons. Mangos come into season during February and dragon fruit, pineapples, and other fruits and vegetables arrive during spring. Feel free to get adventurous with seasonal produce or use this recipe that is a great mix of fresh flavors.
The hardest part of making this fruit salad is the prep work, specifically the peeling of the jicama. Make sure to remove any excess skin and then dice the jicama up into bite-size pieces. It’s very common to squeeze half of a lime over the jicama to help awaken some natural flavor. This process also helps to prevent the jicama from browning.
- Prep Time:10m
- Total Time:10m
- Serves: 4 servings
- Category: Full Body Cleanse Approved, Salads & Dressings, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized jicama, peeled and diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 3 oranges, peeled and diced
- 1 grapefruit, peeled and diced
- 1/4 c freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 c freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/4 c cilantro, chopped
- sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add the diced jicama to a large mixing bowl and squeeze the lime over it to add flavor and prevent browning.
- Add the oranges and grapefruit to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
- Pour in the orange and grapefruit juices before adding the chili powder, cilantro, and sea salt. Toss to combine and then serve immediately.
