Christmas Eve Mexican Salad

Christmas Eve Mexican Salad Recipe - Oranges, Bananas, Beets, Jícama, Pineapple and More!

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This Christmas Eve Mexican Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that is perfect for the holiday season. Packed with a variety of fruits and vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.

History

This Mexican salad is a traditional dish that is often served during the holiday season in Mexico. It is a combination of sweet and savory flavors that come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

2 oranges, peeled and sectioned
2 bananas, sliced
1 can of sliced beets, drained
0.5 jícama, peeled and sliced
1 can of pineapple chunks in juice
2 tbsp of lemon juice
2 tbsp of sugar
0.5 tsp of salt
3 cups of shredded lettuce
1 lime, wedged
0.25 cup of chopped peanuts
0.33 cup of pomegranate seeds
1 tbsp of anise seed
1 tbsp of sugar

How to prepare

Drain the liquid from the beets and pineapple, and reserve it.
Peel the oranges and separate them into sections.
Place the oranges, bananas, beets, pineapple, and jícama in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the reserved juices, lemon juice, 2 tbsp of sugar, and salt. Pour this mixture over the fruit.
Let the fruit stand for 10 minutes, then drain the excess liquid.
Arrange the fruit on a bed of shredded lettuce.
Garnish the salad with lime wedges, peanuts, and pomegranate seeds.
In a small bowl, mix the anise seed and 1 tbsp of sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the salad.

Variations

You can customize this salad by adding other fruits or vegetables, such as mango, cucumber, or avocado. You can also add a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.

References

↑ Substitute 8 oz (227 g) water chestnuts for jícama if desired. Drain and slice.
↑ Use sliced radishes if pomegranate seeds not available.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the excess liquid from the fruit before assembling the salad to prevent it from becoming too watery.

- You can adjust the amount of sugar and salt in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other fruits or vegetables to the salad to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish or as a light and refreshing main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this salad is to drain the excess liquid from the fruit before assembling it. This will prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have jícama, you can substitute with cucumber or radishes. You can also use fresh pineapple instead of canned.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful and festive presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This Christmas Eve Mexican Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or enchiladas. It also goes well with a glass of sparkling water or a margarita.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Christmas Eve Mexican Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

This Christmas Eve Mexican Salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with the fruits and vegetables providing a healthy dose of natural sugars and fiber.

Fats

The fats in this salad come primarily from the peanuts, which provide a good source of healthy fats and protein.

Proteins

The peanuts in this salad are a good source of protein, making it a satisfying and filling dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of fruits and vegetables included. Oranges provide vitamin C, bananas provide potassium, and jícama provides fiber and vitamin E.

Alergens

This salad contains peanuts, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this Christmas Eve Mexican Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for the holiday season. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for any festive gathering.

Summary

This Christmas Eve Mexican Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for the holiday season. Packed with a variety of fruits and vegetables, this salad is a healthy and delicious choice for any festive gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Christmas Eve Mexican Salad. It was a chilly December afternoon, just a few days before the holiday, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a talented cook who had a knack for creating delicious and unique dishes, and I always jumped at the chance to learn from her.

On this particular day, Maria was bustling around the kitchen, preparing a feast for her family's Christmas Eve celebration. As I watched her chop, mix, and stir, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and creativity. I longed to be able to create dishes as flavorful and beautiful as hers.

"Maria, that salad looks amazing," I said, pointing to a vibrant bowl of vegetables on her countertop. "What is it?"

Maria smiled and motioned for me to come closer. "This is my Christmas Eve Mexican Salad," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, and Maria began to guide me through the process. She showed me how to chop the fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, explaining that the key to this salad was using the freshest ingredients possible. She then taught me how to make a tangy dressing with lime juice, olive oil, and a blend of Mexican spices, which would infuse the salad with a burst of flavor.

As I followed Maria's instructions, I felt a sense of joy and fulfillment wash over me. I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about embracing tradition, creativity, and love. I felt grateful to be learning this special recipe from such a talented mentor, and I knew that it would become a cherished part of my own holiday celebrations.

After we finished making the salad, Maria and I sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy a bowl together. As I took my first bite, I was overwhelmed by the burst of flavors and textures in my mouth. The crisp vegetables, zesty dressing, and hint of spice all combined to create a truly unforgettable dish. I couldn't help but smile as I savored each bite, knowing that I had just discovered a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, I made Maria's Christmas Eve Mexican Salad a staple in my own holiday menu. I would proudly serve it to my family and friends, sharing the story of how I had learned to make it from my dear friend. Each time I prepared the salad, I felt a connection to Maria and her family, as well as a sense of pride in carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

Over the years, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and touches to make it truly my own. I experimented with different types of vegetables, spices, and dressings, always striving to create a dish that would bring joy and comfort to those who enjoyed it. And every time I made the salad, I felt a sense of gratitude for the special moment when Maria had shared her recipe with me.

As I sit here today, reflecting on that unforgettable day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious meals with loved ones. I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to celebrate tradition. And I am grateful for the knowledge and inspiration that Maria imparted to me, allowing me to create dishes that are not just recipes, but stories to be shared and cherished for years to come.