A Simple Summer Salad that Explodes with Flavor

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: sugar

Agave syrup is lower on the glycemic index.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: bell pepper

💰Cheaper: banana pepper

Bell pepper offers a milder flavor without heat.

Use a mortar and pestle to pound 2 cloves of garlic and 2 green Thai bird chilies together.

Add 1/4 cup of turbinado sugar to the mortar and continue to pound until a paste forms.

Pour in 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and mix using a circular motion to dissolve the sugar.

Squeeze in the juice of 2 limes and taste the mixture, adjusting flavors as needed.

Prepare the pineapple by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.

Trim and split the cucumbers in half, then cut into chunky discs and add to the bowl.

Trim the ends off a red onion, chop roughly, and add to the bowl.

Roughly chop a handful of cilantro and add it to the bowl.

Add basil leaves to the bowl, using sweet Italian basil or alternatives like Thai purple basil or holy basil.

Chop dried shrimp roughly and add to the salad, or omit if not preferred.

Add fried shallots and toasted coconut to the salad as garnishes.

Toss the salad to combine all ingredients and dressing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary