| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 8 mins – 11 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 220 | 8g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 4g | 13g | 1.8g |
The first time I tasted the Santol and Shrimp Salad, I fell head over heels in love with its unique blend of flavors that excited my taste buds in a way no other dish ever did. It pairs the succulent freshness of shrimps with the tart and sweetness of the Santol fruit, a mouthwatering combination that leaves an unforgettable impression. If you are on a quest to experiment with bold new flavors, this is the ultimate recipe to add to your culinary repertoire. On this image 
you can glimpse the colorful allure of this special salad.
A Love Letter to Ingredients
Every ingredient, from the finely chopped Santol fruit and the delicately peeled shrimps to the zingy squeeze of fresh lime juice, weaves a vibrant tapestry of tastes and aromas. The aromatic red onion and fresh tomatoes add a depth of flavor that harmoniously enhances the sweetness of the shrimp and the fruit. What takes this salad to a whole new level is the addition of sliced green chili peppers that introduce a delightful heat, sending your taste buds on an adventure echoing my West African heritage.
The use of fish sauce is a thoughtful homage to the tradition of Nigerian cooking, while the addition of freshly grated coconut gives the dish a tropical twist. A touch of oil makes the flavors shine, and a sprinkle of salt brings all the ingredients together in a dance of savory and sweet. The garnish of fresh cilantro leaves, evoking my childhood memories of Southern meals, adds the final touch to this beautiful dish.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Beyond its exciting flavors, what I adore about the Santol and Shrimp Salad is its health benefits. Santol, a tropical fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber, beneficial for maintaining overall health. Shrimp, on the other hand, is a lean protein – low in calories but rich in several vitamins and minerals, including Selenium and Vitamin B12. This salad is a nutritional powerhouse, making it an amazing addition to any clean-eating meal plan. Learn more about the health benefits of Santol and Shrimp.
This dish shares similarities with the traditional Nigerian salad Ukpaka (Oil bean salad), a fusion of African oil beans, fish, and tropical fruits. For a delightful culinary experience, you can serve our Santol and Shrimp Salad alongside dishes like Jollof rice or Fried Plantains – a nod to my Afro-Southern heritage.
The Santol and Shrimp Salad is not just a dish; it’s an explosion of flavors, a journey to uncharted culinary territories, and a love letter to my roots.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh Santol fruit, finely chopped
- 1.5 lbs of shrimps, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup of lime juice
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 4 green chilli peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1.5 cups of grated fresh coconut
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Handful of fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your shrimp. Ensure that they are well cleaned, peeled, and deveined. Then, heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add in the shrimps and cook for two minutes on each side until they turn pink. Set aside and let them cool.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped Santol fruit, the thinly sliced red onion, the chopped tomatoes, and the sliced green chilli peppers. Mix together until all ingredients are well combined.
Step Three
Add the cooked shrimp to the fruit and vegetable mixture. Pour in the lime juice and add the fish sauce. Toss the salad well to ensure all parts of it are coated in the lime juice abd fish sauce.
Step Four
Next, add in your grated fresh coconut. Gently stir it into the salad to avoid breaking up the shrimp. Then, season your salad with salt to taste.
Step Five
To serve, divide the salad among serving plates. Garnish each plate with a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. This salad is best served chilled and immediately after preparation to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Step Six
Enjoy your delectable and healthy Santol and Shrimp Salad!
