Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo

Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo Recipe - Mexican Beef and Avocado Salad

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20-25 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for celebrating the festive holiday of Cinco de Mayo. This salad is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

History

Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo is a traditional Mexican salad that is often served during the Cinco de Mayo holiday. This salad is a celebration of the vibrant flavors and colors of Mexican cuisine, and is a perfect dish to enjoy with friends and family.

Ingredients

3 cloves of garlic, minced into a paste
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper, divided
1.5 lb (680 g) of well-trimmed beef top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch thick slices
3 cups of cooked rice, cooled to room temperature
1 avocado, diced
0.75 cup of cherry tomatoes, quartered
0.33 cup of sliced ripe olives
0.25 cup of sliced green onions
3 tbsp of red wine vinegar
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp of olive oil
1 tbsp of fresh lime juice
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Combine garlic, salt, and 0.25 tsp of pepper. Spread the mixture over both sides of the steak.
Place the steak on the grill over the coals, turning it once.
Grill for 14 to 20 minutes or broil for 20 to 25 minutes until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Let the steak stand for 5 minutes. Carve it into thin slices and then cut into bite-size pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the steak, rice, avocado, tomatoes, and onions.
Whisk together vinegar, oil, lime juice, and the remaining 0.25 tsp of pepper.
Add the dressing to the rice mixture and toss well. Serve the salad on a platter lined with lettuce.

Variations

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients, such as adding grilled corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meat tender.

- Be sure to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook it for about 14-16 minutes on the grill.

- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients, such as adding grilled corn or black beans for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some warm tortillas or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the steak adds a delicious smoky flavor to this salad, but you can also broil the steak in the oven if you prefer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sirloin steak, you can use flank steak or chicken breast instead. You can also use quinoa or couscous in place of rice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the steak and rice ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad on a large platter lined with lettuce leaves for a beautiful and colorful presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer. You can also serve it with some fresh salsa and tortilla chips for a complete Cinco de Mayo feast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Carbohydrates

This salad is a great source of carbohydrates, with the rice providing a good amount of energy to fuel your day.

Fats

The avocado and olive oil in this salad provide healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.

Proteins

The sirloin steak in this salad is a great source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and avocado, and iron from the steak.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and olive oil, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo is a well-balanced and nutritious salad that is perfect for a festive celebration. It provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

Summary

Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo is a delicious and nutritious salad that is perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Packed with flavor and colorful ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a sunny May day, and I was strolling through the bustling market in my small Mexican town. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats, and fragrant spices. As I meandered through the colorful stalls, my eyes landed on a display of vibrant vegetables and herbs.

There, nestled among the verdant lettuce and plump tomatoes, was a handwritten sign that read "Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo." Intrigued, I approached the stall and struck up a conversation with the kindly elderly woman who was selling the produce. She told me that this salad was a traditional dish enjoyed on the fifth of May, a day when Mexicans celebrate their victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla.

I watched intently as she deftly chopped and tossed the ingredients together, her hands moving with the precision of a seasoned chef. The salad was a colorful masterpiece, bursting with flavors and textures. I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

I asked the woman if she would share the recipe with me, and she smiled warmly and nodded. She handed me a worn piece of paper, covered in faded ink and scribbles. It was a treasure trove of culinary secrets, passed down through generations of her family.

As I walked home with the precious recipe clutched in my hand, I could feel my excitement building. I couldn't wait to recreate the Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo in my own kitchen and share it with my family.

That evening, I gathered the ingredients I needed and set to work. I chopped the fresh vegetables, mixed the zesty dressing, and carefully arranged everything on a platter. The salad came together beautifully, just like the one I had seen at the market.

As my family sat down to dinner, I proudly presented the Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo. Their eyes widened with delight as they took their first bite, savoring the explosion of flavors in their mouths.

From that day on, the Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together, reminding us of our rich cultural heritage and the importance of celebrating our traditions.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. But the essence of the salad remains the same – a vibrant tribute to the spirit of Cinco de Mayo and the flavors of Mexico.

As I write this, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The market bustling with activity, the warm sun on my face, the joy of sharing a delicious meal with my loved ones. The Ensalada de Cinco de Mayo will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the simple pleasures that bring us together and nourish our souls.