| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 68 | 0.5g | 0g | 17g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 2g | 1g | 0.04g |
It’s not every day you come across a recipe that is both simple and exotic, familiar and thrilling at the same time. The Shiso and Citrus Salad is one such dish. Descending from the culinary tradition of Japan, this fruit-based salad echoes with the vibrant, cosmopolitan spirit of my hometown, New York City, and that’s why I hold this dish close to my heart.
Diversity on a Plate
Embedding the multicultural ethos of NYC, the Shiso and Citrus Salad is beaming with varied textures and flavors. Mixed with the vibrant tanginess of citrus fruits and sweetness of honey, the dish perfectly resonates with New York’s diverse culinary palette. It is akin to an Italian Citrus Melange or Spanish fresh fruit salad, making it versatile enough to pair with an array of international dishes.
Health Meets Taste
What I really value about this recipe is its perfect blend of taste and health. Citrus fruits, as you may know, are rich in antioxidants and minerals, thereby providing a wellness boost with every bite. The dish is low-fat and high-fiber, making it perfectly suitable for those watching their weight without sacrificing an inch on the taste. A drizzle of honey not only uplifts the flavor profile of this salad but also results in a host of beauty and health benefits, which you can read more about here.
The Shiso and Citrus Salad isn’t just a salad; it’s a symphony of taste and health, combining elements from around the world. It’s the culinary embodiment of the city I’ve always called home. This salad is my tribute to the vibrant diversity of the New York culinary scene. It is simple, flavorful, and wholesome – the perfect dish to whip up anytime you crave a refreshing and healthy bite.
What You’ll Need
- 12 shiso leaves
- 1 grapefruit
- 1 orange
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the citrus fruits. Using a sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of the grapefruit, orange, and lime. Place one of the flat ends on your cutting board and run your knife down the side of the fruit, following the curve to remove the skin. Make sure to cut away any white pith as this can be bitter. Once you’ve skinned all three fruits, slice them into round discs and set aside.
Step Two
Now it’s time to prepare the shiso leaves. Rinse the leaves under cold water, then pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Leave them whole, or slice into thin ribbons if preferred.
Step Three
For the dressing, combine the honey and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Mix well until the honey dissolves completely. Taste and add salt, adjusting for your preference.
Step Four
Now we’ll assemble the salad. In a large bowl, scatter your shiso leaves. Layer the citrus discs on top of the leaves, alternating between grapefruit, orange, and lime. Drizzle the honey-vinegar dressing over the top.
Step Five
Finally, garnish the salad with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This not only adds a nice crunch, but also boosts the visual appeal of your salad. It’s now ready to serve, enjoy!
