How to Prepare Thai-style Pineapple Salad
Thai-style pineapple salad, also known as "Som Tum Sapparot," is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tangy flavors of lime, fish sauce, and a hint of chili. This delightful salad is perfect for warm weather and makes an excellent side dish or light meal. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, palm sugar, and chopped chilies. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well mixed. Taste and adjust the flavors, adding more lime juice for acidity, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness as needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, sliced red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to mix the ingredients without squashing the pineapple.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the pineapple and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Add Peanuts and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the salad for added crunch. Give it a final gentle toss, and serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for a few hours if needed.
Tips for the Perfect Thai-Style Pineapple Salad
- Use Ripe Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor and sweetness. The pineapple should be fragrant and give a little when pressed.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a milder salad, you can reduce the number of bird's eye chilies or omit them entirely.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables such as shredded carrots or beansprouts for extra texture and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time for convenience.
Thai-style pineapple salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy this refreshing dish on a hot day or as part of a larger Thai feast!