| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 187 | 14g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 3g | 2g | 0.01g |
Today, I want to share a vibrant and refreshing dish with you – the Papalo and Citrus Salad. It’s a beautiful blend of fresh citrus fruits and the unique taste of Papalo, a herb popular in many Mexican dishes but little-known elsewhere. This is one of those recipes that effortlessly straddle my West Coast upbringing and Indian-Gujarati roots, offering a feast of both flavor and color.
A Salad Close to My Heart
What I really love about the Papalo and Citrus Salad is that it’s a symphony of flavors, and yet, it’s so simple. The unique, slightly peppery taste of Papalo, paired with an assortment of citrus fruits – grapefruit, oranges, lemon, and limes – just spells freshness. The honey adds a sweet note, while the olive oil, salt, and black pepper bring everything together. And let me not forget the mixed greens- they lend both color and a beautiful crunch to this salad.
While Faisal, my husband, often asks for my traditional Gujarati dishes, he couldn’t resist the freshness and complexity of flavors in this salad. It’s a lovely addition to any meal, truly enhancing its taste. We love to pair it with grilled chicken or a cheesy pasta dish.
Health and Flavor in Every Bite
Aside from the fact that this salad is delicious, it’s also incredibly healthy. Citrus fruits are known for their high levels of Vitamin C, which boosts immunity and skin health. Papalo, much like cilantro, has a wealth of health benefits including powerful antioxidants and heart-healthy properties.
The salad is also low in calories, making it wonderful for those who’re conscious about their intake. And of course, olive oil offers a healthy dose of good fats.
If you’ve tried Citrus Salad with Arugula and Ricotta Salata and loved it, or if you appreciate the pairing of fruits within a salad the way Waldorf Salad presents, this recipe is certainly for you. I believe in fusing the known with the unknown to create a flavor explosion that surprises and delights, and the Papalo and Citrus Salad does exactly that.
So why not take a journey with me through this refreshing flavor fiesta? I promise it will be a culinary adventure you’ll cherish.
What You’ll Need
- 12 Papalo leaves
- 1 large Grapefruit
- 2 large Oranges
- 1 large Lemon
- 2 large Limes
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 6 cups Mixed Greens
Method
Step One
Wash all the fruits and greens thoroughly. Dry them carefully. Tear the papalo leaves into pieces and put them in a large salad bowl. Add the mixed greens to the bowl.
Step Two
Cut off both ends of the grapefruit, orange, lemon, and limes. Place one of the cut ends on a cutting board, then slice down the sides to remove the peel and pith. After all the fruits are peeled, cut them into thin round slices or segments and add to the bowl.
Step Three
To make the dressing, in a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The dressing should be somewhat thick and not separate after it’s whisked. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
Step Four
Pour the dressing over the fruits and greens in the salad bowl. Toss gently yet thoroughly until everything is well coated.
Step Five
Serve the salad immediately. The salad can also be refrigerated for a couple of hours before serving, however, it’s best when the fruits are juicy and fresh.
