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Salada Tropical

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Salada Tropical

Salada Tropical is a vibrant dish hailing from Brazil's coastal regions, where the abundant produce meets the warmth of culinary tradition. Here, the generous hand of the cook adds a personal touch, with salt and fat used liberally, reflecting the spirit of the seaside. This recipe captures the essence of a family cook's approach, passed down and shared around tables set for companionship and easy conversation.

Each bite of this salad juxtaposes the creamy richness of avocado with the sweet, juicy burst of mango, all balanced by the bright acidity of lime. The olive oil lends a silky texture, while lettuce leaves provide a crisp, fresh foundation. Seasoned simply with fine sea salt, this salad offers a pure taste of coastal Brazil, inviting diners to savor its natural harmony.

Ingredients

  • 1mango
  • 1avocado
  • lettuceleaves
  • limejuiced
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the mango. Peel the mango using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, then slice the flesh away from the pit. Cut the mango into bite-sized cubes, aiming for uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad. Set aside in a large salad bowl.
  2. Next, prepare the avocado. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, twist the halves to separate, and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, then cut it into similar-sized cubes as the mango. Add the avocado to the salad bowl with the mango.
  3. Rinse the lettuce leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the mango and avocado. This will add a fresh, crisp texture to the salad.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the juice of one lime with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Whisk them together until the mixture is well emulsified. Add fine sea salt to taste, starting with a small pinch and adjusting as needed. The lime juice will provide a bright acidity that balances the richness of the avocado.
  5. Pour the lime and olive oil dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to gently toss the salad, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Be careful to toss gently to keep the mango and avocado pieces intact.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. The flavors should be balanced, with the sweetness of the mango, the creaminess of the avocado, and the tanginess of the lime dressing.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately with fresh bread on the side, allowing diners to enjoy the refreshing combination of flavors and textures. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado may begin to brown if left to sit.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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