• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Devil Wears Salad
  • Recipe Categories
  • Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Salad Dressings
  • Pairings
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Fall Salads
  • Recipe Categories
  • Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Salad Dressings
  • Ingredient Pairings
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipe Collections

    14 Spicy Salads to Make You Hotter

    Published: Apr 10, 2021 · Modified: Dec 22, 2021 by The Devil Wears Salad

    Do you love a little heat in your food, or perhaps you’re a proud pepper consumer and love to just pile it on? Either way, this collection of spicy salads showcases the different types of spicy ingredients that enhance the inherent flavours of the recipe. Enjoy!

    Spicy Salads to Make You Hotter

    What Makes Food Spicy?

    A nasty compound called Capsaicin!

    Capsaicin is an organic compound that is produced by the seeds in the plants of the Capsicum genus. This active ingredient is what gives food that heat. Capsaicin is essentially a natural defence mechanism against being under attack, such as from us humans who wish to eat them!

    Our tongue contains thousands of pain receptors called VR1 receptors. They can be found on our taste buds’ surface and actually on many other body parts too. When it comes into contact with Capsaicin, it causes a burning sensation, signalled by the brain through the trigeminal nerve.

    The different levels of tolerance are due to desensitised receptors that can occur if you eat a lot of spicy food and become less affected.

    How to Measure The Spiciness of Foods?

    The Scoville unit scale is the measurement by which one determines the heat level of chillies. This is done by getting human testers that get a series of dilutions of a specific pepper.

    They continue to dilute it until it is no longer spicy. The number of times it is diluted is the unit by which the levels of spiciness is measured.

    This test is, of course, subjective as we all have different levels of tolerance. Still, it has been refined over the years to give a relatively good understanding.

    Chillies or peppers that have a score of 0 indicates it is not spicy at all. The hottest pepper of all is the Carolina Reaper which comes in at a whopping 2,200,000 Scoville units!

    That is massively high when a regular jalapeno only comes in at 2,500 to 2,800 Scoville units.

    Anyone here tried the Carolina Reaper?

    How to Cool Down Your Mouth After Eating Spicy Food?

    The first remedy that everyone instinctively does is to grab a glass of water. When in fact, that is the worst thing you can do. Capsaicin is an oil, which, as we all know, does not mix with water. Drinking water will only spread the burn across the receptors on your tongue.

    If you thought that drinking a glass of milk would help alleviate spiciness was just an old wife’s tale, you would be wrong. It does actually work.

    It works because milk contains a protein called casein which helps to break the bonds of the Capsaicin from the receptors that have been too receptive!

    This would explain why a lot of Mexican and Indian food are often accompanied by some form of sour cream or yoghurt. In fact, a good mango lassi is the perfect way to get rid of the heat.

    Growing up, my mother used to always tell me to drink hot water. This was a completely counterintuitive move. My tongue is already on fire, and you want me to make it worse?

    However, it is sometimes so bad that I’d do anything to get rid of it, so I’d bite the bullet and drink hot water. The initial pain is awful, but the relief is almost instant!

    Oh, and cucumber. Cucumber is the best thing to have to relieve your throbbing mouth!

    Growing up in southeast Asia, eating chilli is an everyday occurrence. So much so that there are many people out there who believe that food is completely tasteless if there was any fresh chilli around.

    We love a kick of heat in our salad. Not enough to blow your socks off but certainly enough to enhance the flavours of a recipe. Of course, the beauty of spicy foods is that you can adjust them to your liking. Feel free to pile it on if you’re after something that will produce beads of sweat!

    Enjoy our collection of spicy salads!


    Spicy Chinese Tofu Skin Salad in a speckled light brown bowl

    Spicy Chinese Tofu Skin Salad

    1/14

    Bold spicy Asian flavours that will definitely get your taste buds moving.

    Delicious texture with tofu skin, cucumber and cauliflower mixed with a chilli black vinegar dressing that is spicy, sweet and sharp all at the same time.

    Parmesan Chipotle Corn Salad with Black Beans

    Parmesan Chipotle Corn Salad with Black Beans

    2/14

    Smoky, earthy and salty, this Chipotle Corn Salad is accompanied by simple, fresh ingredients.

    This budget friendly salad is easy to make and fantastic for those warmer months as you host a casual alfresco lunch with family and friends.

    Gochujang Chicken Salad with Noodles and Tofu

    Gochujang Chicken Salad with Noodles and Tofu

    3/14

    This Korean inspired Gochujang Chicken Salad is an explosion of mouth-watering flavours and prickly heat. It’s almost too good to share!

    Cilantro Chimichurri Prawn Salad on a round black plate

    Cilantro Chimichurri Prawn Salad

    4/14

    Elevate this summer prawn salad with an aromatic cilantro chimichurri sauce. Perfect for those balmy alfresco dining afternoons when your family and friends are over for a BBQ!

    Zucchini and Cucumber Salad with Dried Shrimp

    Zucchini and Cucumber Salad with Dried Shrimp

    5/14

    Dive into a traditional style salad that heralds from the intertwining of Chinese and British Malay cultures of centuries past.

    This Zucchini and Cucumber Salad celebrates the fusion between the 2 cuisines, replicated nowhere else in the world.

    Gem Lettuce and Chicken Salad with Sriracha Aioli

    Chicken and Gem Lettuce Salad with Sriracha Aioli

    6/14

    No boring Chicken and Gem Lettuce Salad with spicy, tangy sriracha aioli all balanced with sweet, crunchy and wholesome vegetables. This is a healthy and delicious meal in one.

    Curried Vegan Cauliflower Steak Salad

    Curried Vegan Cauliflower Steak Salad

    7/14

    Imagine infusing a Vegan Cauliflower Steak with some of the most aromatic spices found in curry powder.

    Then imagine the smells in the kitchen as they roast themselves into delectable pieces of joy. What a salad!

    Thai Prawn Salad with Chilli Tamarind Dressing on a blue plate with a fork resting on the plate

    Thai Prawn Salad with Chilli Tamarind Dressing

    8/14

    Freshly grilled prawns, aromatic Thai herbs and a zesty Chilli Tamarind salad dressing with a good kick of chilli, this Asian-inspired salad is mouth-watering goodness.

    Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad on a grey plate with black cutlery and grey napkin

    Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad [Video Tutorial]

    9/14

    Beautifully presented, this cucumber avocado salad is tasty, creamy and ever so moreish!

    The creamy garlic salad dressing is silky, strong in flavour and ever so delicious. You’ll be coming back for more of this spicy green salad!

    A close up of mint green bowl of mango salad with chunks of mango, tomatoes, mint, red cabbage, coconut and peanuts.

    Tropical Mango Salad Recipe with Coconut

    10/14

    Colourful summer mango salad recipe that is bursting with fresh, vibrant tropical flavours.

    Effortless to put together, the combination of sweet mangoes and toasted coconut flakes with a tangy lime dressing is utterly delicious.

    Baby Cauliflower and Spiced Chickpeas with Beetroot Tahini

    Baby Cauliflower and Spiced Chickpeas with Beetroot Tahini

    11/14

    What could be more scrumptious than whole roasted baby cauliflower? Combine them with spiced chickpeas and beetroot tahini, and you’ll have a middle eastern inspired salad that won’t disappoint.

    A bowl of Spicy Mango Avocado Salsa

    Spicy Mango Salsa with Avocado

    12/14

    Outrageously easy to make, our Spicy Mango Salsa with Avocado is super popular for the crowds. Fresh, zesty with a good kick of jalapeno, you will love this delicious salsa variation.

    Green Mango Salad with Grilled Pineapple and Salty Tamarind Dressing

    Thai Green Mango Salad with Salty Tamarind Dressing

    13/14

    Combining exotic flavours in salty tamarind dressing served with prawns, crunchy green mango, grilled pineapple and cucumber, this Thai Green Mango Salad recipe is super refreshing.

    Great starter to get the taste buds moving.

    Spicy Asian Chicken Salad in a grey bubble plate

    Spicy Asian Chicken Salad

    14/14

    Get your taste buds moving with our delicious Spicy Asian Chicken Salad.

    Packed with fresh crunchy vegetables and tossed together with a hot chilli garlic soy dressing, this shredded chicken recipe is perfect for entertaining the crowds.


    More Salad Recipe Collections

    • Collection of Korean side dishes in blue and red floral plates and platters
      9 Korean Side Dishes Recipes – Banchan (반찬)
    • Collage of 4 photos for Potluck Salads To Bring To A Party
      15 Potluck Salads To Bring To A Party
    • Collage of 6 photos for Salads Perfect for Al Fresco Menu
      15 Salads Perfect for Al Fresco Menu
    • Collage of 5 photos for Salads with No Fruit
      15 Salads with No Fruit

    Don’t want to miss out on a recipe? Feed your FOMO and we’ll deliver it into your inbox!

    Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates!

    Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

    « Vegan Zucchini Noodle Salad with Pesto
    Scallop Sashimi Salad with Finger Lime »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jar Of Lemons

      April 16, 2021 at 6:11 am

      Wonderful tips to relieve the heat! Never heard of hot water. I will definitely give that a try next time! Great hot salad selection here as well!

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        April 21, 2021 at 8:48 am

        The hot water trick is something I grew up with and tbh, it burns when you first drink it but the relief is almost instant. Just be careful not to have boiling hot water and drink it slowly!

        Reply
    2. Debra

      April 15, 2021 at 3:48 am

      Oh, you’re totally speaking my language here. We love salad and also love spicy food! I’ve pinned so many of these so we can make them.

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        April 21, 2021 at 8:48 am

        Thanks so much Debra! Hope you find some in there you’ll really love.

        Reply
    3. Michele H Peterson

      April 15, 2021 at 2:15 am

      What a fantastic collection of spicy hot salads.And thanks too for the tips on how to reduce the heat if you’ve tried something too hot. I hadn’t heard of drinking milk so will give that a try instead of water. I wonder if it would also work if you get hot pepper on your hands?

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        April 21, 2021 at 8:47 am

        That’s a really good point! I’ve done that before and once, I rubbed my eye too…. what an idiot.

        Reply
    4. Angela

      April 15, 2021 at 1:45 am

      I don’t know which one to choose, they are all so good. I love spicy food and tonight I’m making Spicy Chicken Salad.

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        April 21, 2021 at 8:46 am

        We love spicy food too! Love being able to incorporate that into salads. Hope everyone enjoyed the spicy chicken salad:)

        Reply
    5. Maddie

      April 15, 2021 at 12:57 am

      I’m always looking for new salad recipes for lunches for myself and my husband. Can’t wait to try these out! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        April 21, 2021 at 8:46 am

        You’re welcome Maddie! Hope you find a new favourite!

        Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    The Devil Wears Salad Team

    United by a common love for salads, us 3 girls decided to embark on a journey to show you that you CAN win friends with salad!

    Tried and tested, these recipes are designed for all discerning home cooks. We have everything from no cook recipes right through to showstoppers. Something for everyone!

    More About Us →

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Korean Cucumber Salad - Oi Muchim (오이무침)
      Korean Cucumber Salad – Oi Muchim (오이무침)
    • Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze on a brown plate with black cutlery served with noodles
      Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze
    • Air Fryer Parsnip Fries with Red Pepper Mayo on dotted grey and white napery
      Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
    • Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad] served with naan bread and veg pulao
      Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad]
    • Miso Mayo Dressing
      Miso Mayo Dressing
    • Yuzu Dressing
      Yuzu Dressing

    Spring Salad Recipes

    • crunchy noodle salad with wombok in a round grey bowl with serving spoon on the right
      Crunchy Noodle Salad with Cabbage
    • fennel courgette salad on a white plate in the middle with a smaller black plate filled with salad on the top left corner
      Courgette Salad with Fennel and Citrus
    • Grilled Little Gem Salad with Tahini Ranch Dressing served on a white plate over grey napery
      Little Gem Salad with Vegan Ranch Dressing
    • White Asparagus Salad Recipe on a grey plate with blue napkins and a bunch of parsley in the background
      White Asparagus Salad Recipe
    The Devil Wears Salad | Salad Gazette

    Fall Salad Recipes

    • Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Salad surrounded by fresh feijoas and fall leaves
      Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Salad
    • 2 serves of Baked Tempeh Salad on a grey plates
      Baked Tempeh Salad
    • brown mushrooms marinated in parsley, shallots, garlic, chilli flakes and vinegar served in a bowl with spoon on the side
      Quick Pickled Mushrooms Recipe
    • a bowl of freekeh grain salad with roasted beetroot and spiced sumac dressing drizzled on the side. Using gold fork and spoon to serve.
      Freekeh Grain Salad with Preserved Lemons
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    The Devil Wears Salad Team

    United by a common love for salads, us 3 girls decided to embark on a journey to show you that you CAN win friends with salad!

    Tried and tested, these recipes are designed for all discerning home cooks. We have everything from no cook recipes right through to showstoppers. Something for everyone!

    More About Us →

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Korean Cucumber Salad - Oi Muchim (오이무침)
      Korean Cucumber Salad – Oi Muchim (오이무침)
    • Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze on a brown plate with black cutlery served with noodles
      Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze
    • Air Fryer Parsnip Fries with Red Pepper Mayo on dotted grey and white napery
      Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
    • Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad] served with naan bread and veg pulao
      Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad]
    • Miso Mayo Dressing
      Miso Mayo Dressing
    • Yuzu Dressing
      Yuzu Dressing

    Spring Salad Recipes

    • Watercress Salad with Apple and Pear in a grey bowl with cheese and bread on the side
      Watercress Salad with Apple and Pear
    • Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad on a grey plate with black cutlery and grey napkin
      Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad
    • Spicy Asian Chicken Salad in a grey bubble plate
      Spicy Asian Chicken Salad
    • hand holding spoon scooping chickpea salad from a beige plate with a small bowl of salad, lemons and feta around the plate.
      Chickpea Salad with Feta
    The Devil Wears Salad | Salad Gazette

    Fall Salad Recipes

    • soba noodles, pearl mushrooms, edamame, spring onions, cilantro and sesame seeds served in a grey bowl with fork on side
      Pearl Oyster Mushroom Noodle Salad Recipe
    • pear arugula salad on large grey plate next to a bowl of candied walnuts and arugula
      Pear Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts
    • a plate of Waldorf salad with gold fork and spoon serving, a smaller bowl of salad and two bread rolls at the top of the plate.
      The Best Waldorf Salad Recipe
    • Vegan Couscous Salad with Blistered Tomatoes on a blue plate served with fresh basil and lemon on the side
      Vegan Couscous Salad with Blistered Tomatoes

    Footer

    The Devil Wears Salad Favicon

    About Us
    Accessibility Statement
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
    Work With Us

    Facebook
    Instagram
    Pinterest
    Twitter

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2022 The Devil Wears Salad