| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 15g | 7g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 4g | 9g | 0.18g |
Few dishes highlight the amalgamation of my culinary love for New England’s divine generosity and Ireland’s humble palate better than the simple but delightful Pitogo and Cottage Cheese Salad. This is a recipe that tells a tale as old as my love for food; simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to yield a salad as heartwarming as the old Boston streets, as comforting as the atlantic coast from where my love for seafood originates, and as colorful as Ireland’s enchanting landscape.
A Salad Like No Other
This uniquely wonderful salad champions pitogo, a petite variety of bananas native to Southeast Asia. More commonly known as Banana Zero or sometimes referred to as Señorita bananas, these little golden treasures add a distinctly tropical flair to any dish they grace. Their sweet, creamy taste is effortlessly complemented by cottage cheese’s tanginess and whipped heavy cream’s rich decadence. A drizzle of honey, lemon juice, and a hint of vanilla add another layer of complex flavors that keep your taste buds guessing. If you’d like a bit of crunch, feel free to add some walnuts or pecans. And don’t shy away from a sprinkle of shredded coconut – it adds a beautiful pop of texture and an unexpected sweetness that will make this salad impossible to resist.
Feels Like Home, Tastes Like an Adventure
The Pitogo and Cottage Cheese Salad reminds me of gatherings at my Italian grandfather’s house as we bonded over memories and food – the universal language of love. It’s similar to a multitude of salads one might find in a typical Mediterranean household, particularly the ones laden with fresh, local produce, cheeses, and a touch of sweet surprise. Pair it with a hearty Irish Stew or a classic New England Chowder, and you have yourself a delightful, well-rounded meal that will transport you across coasts and cultures regardless of where you dine. This very versatility of the salad, its ability to complement various dishes yet hold its own, makes it an indispensable part of my gastronomic repertoire.
Nourishment in Every Bite
But the allure of the Pitogo and Cottage Cheese Salad extends beyond taste and texture. This salad is as good to your body as it is pleasant on your palette. Rife with Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Potassium from the pitogo, protein from cottage cheese, probiotics and antioxidants from honey, this is a meal that takes good care of your body. And let’s not forget the heart-healthy benefits of nuts if you opt to include them. Each ingredient here is an ambassador of wellness, asking you to take a mindful bite, savor its purpose, and revel in its taste.
In the end, that’s the essence of my culinary journey – crafting dishes that respect tradition, honor the produce, entertain the senses, and nourish the body. The Pitogo and Cottage Cheese Salad is one such dish, and I look forward to having it represent a slice of what food means to me, Laura, and our newborn son. Share it with the people you love, just as we do in our New England home, and let the salad work its magic.
What You’ll Need
- 12 pieces of medium-sized pitogo (banana zero) or Señorita bananas
- 2 cups of cottage cheese
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnishing (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling the pitogo or Señorita bananas. Cut them into diagonal slices and set them aside.
Step Two
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, heavy cream, honey, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
Step Three
Add the sliced bananas to the bowl and gently mix until all pieces are coated with the cottage cheese mixture. If you want to add some crunch to your salad, this is the time to toss in the walnuts or pecans, but this is completely optional.
Step Four
If you prefer a bit of texture, sprinkle the shredded unsweetened coconut over the salad. Again, this is optional and can be left out if desired.
Step Five
Chill your Pitogo and Cottage Cheese Salad in the refrigerator for a minimum of an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad even more refreshing.
Step Six
When you’re ready to serve, garnish the salad with a few mint leaves for added freshness and color. Enjoy your Pitogo and Cottage Cheese Salad as a healthy dessert or snack!.
