Tropical Salad

Tropical Salad Recipe from The Bahamas with Coconut, Pineapple, Tangerine, and Mayonnaise

Region / culture: Bahamas, The Bahamas | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tropical Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple and tangerine with the creaminess of mayonnaise and the crunch of grated coconut. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The Tropical Salad recipe has its origins in the tropical regions of the world, where fresh fruits like pineapple and tangerine are abundant. The combination of these fruits with coconut and mayonnaise creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has become popular in many countries.

Ingredients

1 cup of grated coconut
1 cup of diced pineapple
1 cup of seeded tangerine segments
1 cup of mayonnaise

How to prepare

Combine the ingredients and serve them on cabbage leaves or lettuce leaves.

Variations

Add some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
Drizzle some honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or couscous for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh and ripe fruits for the best flavor.

- You can add other fruits like mango or papaya to customize the salad to your liking.

- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tropical Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The main technique for this recipe is simply combining the ingredients in a bowl and serving. No cooking is required.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version of the salad.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tropical Salad in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut for a fun and tropical presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a crisp white wine or a tropical cocktail like a piña colada.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Fats: 10g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and fiber from the fruits.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and soy from the mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Tropical Salad is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tropical Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer meal or a tropical-themed party. With its combination of fresh fruits, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy coconut, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, back when I was a young girl living in a small village nestled in the lush tropical forests of the Philippines. I remember it like it was yesterday - the warm sun shining down on the vibrant green leaves, the sweet scent of ripe mangoes and pineapples wafting through the air.

One day, I was walking through the bustling marketplace with my mother, searching for fresh ingredients for dinner. As we meandered through the stalls, we stumbled upon a small, elderly woman selling an array of exotic fruits and vegetables. Intrigued by her selection, we struck up a conversation and soon found ourselves engrossed in her tales of far-off lands and delicious dishes.

It was then that she mentioned a recipe for a tropical salad that she had picked up during her travels in the Caribbean. She described it as a tantalizing blend of juicy fruits, crunchy nuts, and zesty dressing that was sure to transport anyone who tasted it to a paradise of flavors. Intrigued by her description, I begged her to share the recipe with me.

With a twinkle in her eye, the woman agreed and began to recite the ingredients and instructions in a melodic voice that seemed to dance on the air. I listened intently, committing every word to memory as she described how to prepare the salad - slicing the fruits, toasting the nuts, and whisking together a dressing of lime juice, honey, and a hint of chili for a spicy kick.

As soon as we returned home, I set to work recreating the tropical salad, following the woman's instructions to the letter. The kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of fresh fruit and spicy dressing as I chopped, mixed, and tossed the ingredients together. When I finally took my first bite, I was immediately transported to a paradise of flavors, just as the woman had promised.

From that moment on, the tropical salad became a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress friends and family alike. Over the years, I have made countless variations of the recipe, adding my own twists and touches to suit the season or occasion. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that fateful day in the marketplace and the kind woman who shared her recipe with me.

As I grew older and traveled to different parts of the world, I continued to seek out new recipes and culinary traditions, always eager to expand my culinary horizons. I collected recipes from friends, family, and strangers alike, each one a treasure trove of flavors and memories waiting to be discovered.

One of my favorite memories is of a trip to Hawaii, where I had the pleasure of sampling a variety of tropical salads made with local fruits like papaya, guava, and passion fruit. Inspired by these new flavors, I returned home and set to work creating my own version of a Hawaiian tropical salad, combining the sweet and tangy fruits with crunchy macadamia nuts and a coconut-lime dressing that transported me back to the sandy beaches and swaying palms of the island paradise.

As the years passed, I continued to experiment with new ingredients and techniques, always seeking to push the boundaries of my culinary skills. I found inspiration in the most unlikely of places - a chance encounter with a street vendor in Thailand led me to discover the spicy-sweet flavors of a mango and shrimp salad, while a dinner party in France introduced me to the delicate balance of a strawberry and arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.

But no matter how far I traveled or how many new recipes I tried, the tropical salad remained a constant in my kitchen, a comforting reminder of my roots and the kind woman who had first shared the recipe with me. It is a dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart, a taste of paradise that I will cherish forever.