Save to Pinterest Banana Blossom and Citrus Toss delivers bold freshness with every bite. Tangy grapefruit and silky banana blossom blend beautifully with crunchy peanuts and a zesty tamarind-honey dressing. This salad livens up any meal and is perfect when you want something light yet full of character.
The flavors remind me of the vibrant roadside salads I tasted traveling through Vietnam and Thailand. Friends are always surprised by how floral and bright this dish is.
Ingredients
- Banana blossom: Look for pale tender inner leaves free of bruising or browning. The star ingredient its texture is unlike anything else.
- Pink grapefruit: Choose heavy fruit for juiciness. The tartness works magic against the sweet dressing.
- Fresh mint leaves: Use young leaves which are less bitter than older ones. Mint keeps the salad energetic.
- Roasted peanuts: Select unsalted and freshly roasted for maximum crunch and nutty flavor.
- Tamarind paste: Adds crucial tang. Look for seedless pure tamarind paste without additives.
- Honey: Balances tang with gentle sweetness. Choose local honey for extra flavor.
- Lime juice: Bright acidity is key. Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
- Soy sauce: Provides savory depth. For gluten-free choose tamari.
- Garlic: Brings aroma and heat.
- Red chili: Optional for gentle warmth. Use fresh ripe chili for color and a subtle kick.
- Lemon: Fresh juice used to keep the banana blossom from darkening and mellow any bitterness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Blossom:
- Peel away and discard the dark tough outer bracts until you reach the soft pale center. With a sharp knife slice the heart as thinly as possible working quickly. As you slice drop each handful into a large bowl filled with lemon juice and cold water. This stops browning and washes away any bitterness. Soak the strands for ten to fifteen minutes then drain very well and dry completely using a salad spinner or kitchen towels.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together tamarind paste honey lime juice soy sauce minced garlic chopped chili and water. Whisk until it looks glossy and smooth. Taste the dressing and balance as you like some honey for extra sweetness or more lime if you want more zing.
- Combine the Salad:
- Gently mix the drained banana blossom slices with grapefruit segments and most of the torn mint leaves in a roomy mixing bowl. Pour most of the dressing over and toss just enough to coat each piece but avoid rough mixing to keep the grapefruit intact.
- Plating and Garnishing:
- Transfer the mixture to a wide shallow platter. Top with crushed roasted peanuts and the last bits of mint. Just before serving drizzle any remaining dressing for shine.
- Serve Fresh:
- Enjoy right away for the crispest texture. Letting it sit will soften the banana blossom and dull the citrus flavors.
Save to Pinterest You Must Know
- Rich in antioxidants fiber and vitamin C
- No cooking needed quick prep for last minute guests
- Banana blossom has a mild flavor but a remarkable texture I love introducing friends to it for the first time their reactions are always priceless
My favorite part of this salad is the sweet-tart tamarind dressing. The first time I made it my kitchen smelled like a bustling street market and now even the scent makes me crave this dish on a sunny afternoon.
Storage Tips
Banana blossom does best fresh but you can prep the components ahead. Store separated grapefruit and banana blossom slices in airtight containers lined with a paper towel in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the dressing in a jar for up to three days. Toss everything together just before serving to keep it perky.
Ingredient Substitutions
If banana blossom eludes you try using thinly shredded baby napa cabbage and edible flower petals which mimic the look and texture. Maple syrup or agave stands in well for honey. Coconut aminos is a tasty swap for soy if you need to skip soy entirely. Sunflower seeds to the rescue if avoiding peanuts.
Save to Pinterest Serving Suggestions
This zingy salad is a showstopper starter for any Southeast Asian style meal. It also pairs with grilled tofu steamed sticky rice or spicy satay skewers. For drinks a citrusy wheat beer or just-chilled Riesling complement the orchard notes beautifully.
Cultural Context
Street vendors across Southeast Asia sell fresh salads that wake up the palate with a balance of sweet salty sour savory. Dishes like this one are more than food they are a memory of humid nights and laughter by roadside tables. The banana blossom especially is a beloved ingredient across Thailand Vietnam and the Philippines both for its nutritional value and its novelty.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What does banana blossom taste like?
Banana blossom has a mild, slightly floral flavor and a soft, delicate texture when prepared properly. It readily absorbs dressings and complements bold ingredients.
- → Can I substitute banana blossom?
Yes, thinly sliced cabbage with a few edible flower petals mimics the look and texture of banana blossom effectively.
- → How do you prepare banana blossom for salad?
Peel the tough outer layers, slice the inner parts thinly, and soak in lemon water to reduce bitterness and prevent browning, then drain and pat dry.
- → Is the salad suitable for vegans?
Simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to make the dish completely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
- → What drinks pair well with this?
A crisp Riesling or a citrusy wheat beer balances the tangy, nutty, and floral flavors of the salad beautifully.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add more red chili for extra heat, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor profile that highlights the freshness of the other ingredients.