| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 214 | 8g | 3g | 37g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 21g | 7g | 4g | 0.4g |
As you may know, my love for diverse cuisines and quality ingredients finds its roots in both my Pacific Northwest upbringing and my Japanese heritage. This wonderful interplay of cultures brings me to introduce a dish that I deeply cherish: the Banana Pith Salad.
My Connection to the Banana Pith Salad
While this may not be a typical Seattle dish or a staple from Japan, it certainly encapsulates my lifelong adventure of finding the harmony between different culinary traditions. The Banana Pith Salad takes a centre-stage role in my heart, as it perfectly marries the concept of ‘simple ingredients, extraordinary tastes’ so prevalent in both my birthplace and my ancestral home.
This beautifully colorful creation holds a rich tapestry of fresh cilantro, lemon, red bell peppers, jalapeno, extra virgin olive oil, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and of course, the star ingredient: Banana Piths. The fusion of these vibrant and healthful ingredients provides an explosion of taste, while offering a multitude of healthy benefits.
Freshness Itself and Health Benefits
In both the Pacific Northwest and Japan, there’s a shared emphasis on using and celebrating fresh, local ingredients that are at their seasonal peak. The Banana Pith Salad, while perhaps a departure from your typical sushi roll or seafood dish, embraces this ethos wholeheartedly. Each ingredient in it holds a powerhouse of nutrients which could help uplift your overall health. From the lemon’s vitamin C, the red peppers’ antioxidants, to the banana piths packed with dietary fibre, every bite you indulge in is a step towards better vitality.
This delicious medley, not too dissimilar to a Mediterranean Salad, complements several main dishes beautifully. I often pair it with some delicious Sticky Japanese Chicken or a Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner for a well-rounded meal that satiates every taste bud.
So the next time you think of exploring a dish that is a tasteful mishmash of freshness, colour, health, and global flavors, give my cherished Banana Pith Salad recipe a spin. You are in for a vibrant gastronomic adventure that surely won’t disappoint.
What You’ll Need
- 3 Banana Piths
- 1 cup of Freshly Chopped Cilantro
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 2 Red Bell Peppers, diced
- 1 Jalapeno, seeds removed and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 large Red Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup of Chopped Cucumber
Method
Step One
First, you need to prepare the banana piths. Remove the outer layers till you reach the tender part of the pith. Slice it thinly. Quickly put the sliced pith in a bowl of water with a pinch of salt or it will turn black.
Step Two
Once all your banana pith slices are in the salt water, squeeze them well with your hands. The water will turn a milky color. Drain this water, refill the bowl with fresh water, and repeat this process. Do this about 3-4 times until the water is mostly clear.
Step Three
After the banana pith is washed and all the milky substance is removed, chop it finely. Set it aside for later.
Step Four
Now, you will need to prepare your vegetables. Finely dice your red bell peppers, jalapeno, tomatoes, and cucumber. Finely chop the red onion and cilantro.
Step Five
In a large serving bowl, combine the finely chopped banana pith, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, red bell peppers, jalapeno, and cilantro.
Step Six
Add the juice from one lemon and the two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the salad. Stir well to combine.
Step Seven
Finish by seasoning your salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give the salad a final stir until everything is well mixed.
Step Eight
Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes so that all the flavors can meld together. Your Banana Pith Salad is now ready to enjoy!
