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Colombian Herb Salad

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Colombian Herb Salad

Colombian Herb Salad is a staple at many home tables, especially when families gather for leisurely weekend lunches. It's not the kind of dish you find in restaurants, but rather a cherished part of the home cooking tradition. Passed down through generations, this salad reflects the Colombian approach to flavors — vibrant and fresh, with ingredients that are often judged by hand, seasoned generously, and served with an emphasis on sharing.

The salad bursts with the bright notes of herbs mixed with the peppery greens, all brought together by a generous drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Each bite offers a balance of freshness and richness, a reminder of the simplicity and heartiness of Colombian cuisine. Salt is added by instinct, ensuring each family member's preference is met, making each bowl as unique as the home it comes from.

Ingredients

  • 150 gmixed greens
  • 60 mlolive oil
  • lemonjuiced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by washing 150 g of mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water. Use a salad spinner or gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures the dressing adheres well to the leaves without watering it down.
  2. Select a variety of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, and mint, to add vibrant flavor. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry. Remove any tough stems and roughly chop the leaves, aiming for about a small handful of each to balance the flavors.
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine the dried mixed greens and the chopped herbs. This allows the flavors to meld together evenly when dressed.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 60 ml of olive oil and the juice of one lemon. The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that complements the richness of the olive oil. Season the dressing with fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed.
  5. Pour the dressing over the greens and herbs in the salad bowl. Use clean hands or salad tongs to gently toss the salad, ensuring each leaf is lightly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the greens; they should remain crisp and vibrant.
  6. Taste a small piece of the salad to check the seasoning. If needed, add a touch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately with fresh bread on the side, allowing everyone at the table to enjoy the fresh, herbaceous flavors typical of Colombian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Colombian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Colombian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Colombian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Colombian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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