Puso Salad

Puso Salad Recipe - A Traditional Dish from the Philippines

Region / culture: Philippines | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Puso Salad is a traditional Filipino dish that combines the sweetness of heart of palm with the tanginess of vinegar and the creaminess of coconut cream. This refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish for grilled meats.

History

Puso Salad has been a popular dish in the Philippines for many years. It is often served at special occasions such as fiestas, weddings, and family gatherings. The combination of heart of palm, vinegar, and coconut cream is a unique and delicious flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 large banana heart (peeled, cored, boiled, julienned, and drained)
1 big red onion (sliced into rings)
0.5 tsp table salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp minced ginger
1 cup vinegar
1 cup coconut cream

How to prepare

1. In a wooden or crystal bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Serve immediately or refrigerate before serving.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the coconut cream with mayonnaise for a creamier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the heart of palm well before adding it to the salad to prevent excess liquid from diluting the flavors.

- Adjust the amount of vinegar and coconut cream to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the salad in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Puso Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

- Enjoy it as a light and refreshing snack on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the heart of palm until tender before slicing it into julienne strips.

- Mix the salad gently to avoid breaking the heart of palm.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned heart of palm if fresh is not available.

- Substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Puso Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Puso Salad in a coconut shell for a tropical touch. - Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Puso Salad with grilled pork skewers or adobo for a complete Filipino meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Puso Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Puso Salad is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

Puso Salad is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it contains coconut cream, so it may not be suitable for those with coconut allergies.

Summary

Puso Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Puso Salad is a delicious and nutritious Filipino dish that combines the flavors of heart of palm, vinegar, and coconut cream. This refreshing salad is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light snack for a taste of the Philippines.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day where the sun seemed to linger in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything it touched. I was visiting my friend Maria, who lived in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. Maria was known for her delicious cooking, especially her salads. She had a way of combining simple ingredients to create dishes that were bursting with flavor.

On this particular day, Maria invited me to join her in the kitchen as she prepared a special salad for lunch. As she chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, she explained to me that this salad was called Puso Salad, a traditional Filipino dish that was perfect for hot summer days. The name "Puso" means heart in Filipino, and as Maria mixed the ingredients together, she told me that this salad was made with love.

I watched in awe as Maria added shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and diced avocado to the salad. She then drizzled it with a dressing made from vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. The aroma that wafted from the bowl was simply divine, a tantalizing mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.

As we sat down to eat, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make Puso Salad. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her grandmother who had learned it from a friend who lived in a neighboring village. Over the years, Maria had perfected the recipe, adding her own twist to make it truly her own.

I took a bite of the salad, and instantly, I was hooked. The flavors danced on my tongue, each bite a burst of freshness and satisfaction. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Maria graciously offered to teach me the recipe, and over the next few days, we spent hours in the kitchen together, chopping, mixing, and tasting until we had perfected the Puso Salad. I was amazed at how simple it was to make, yet how complex and delicious the flavors were when combined.

As I returned home from my visit with Maria, I couldn't wait to share this newfound recipe with my own family. I made Puso Salad for dinner that evening, and as my husband and children took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. They couldn't believe how something so simple could taste so amazing.

From that day on, Puso Salad became a staple in our household. I made it for every family gathering, every potluck, and every special occasion. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone looked forward to whenever I announced that I was bringing it.

Years passed, and my children grew up and moved out on their own. I continued to make Puso Salad for myself, a reminder of the time I spent with Maria in her cozy kitchen, learning the secrets of this delicious dish. It became a comfort food for me, a taste of home that I could always rely on.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Puso Salad, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences and memories that have come from it. It's not just a salad to me; it's a connection to my dear friend Maria, to my family, and to the traditions that have shaped me into the cook that I am today.

And so, as I prepare to make Puso Salad once again, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude, knowing that this simple dish has brought so much joy and flavor into my life. I can only hope that it will do the same for those who have the pleasure of tasting it.