Banana ketchup dressing on salad? You bet! Don’t let the unusual combination fool you; this Filipino-inspired dressing is a delightful surprise. It’s tangy, sweet, and utterly addictive. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a salad that’s as exciting for your taste buds as it is for your eyes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary creativity!
What You’ll Need for this Tropical Delight
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley
For the Banana Ketchup Dressing:
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools:
- Salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Banana Ketchup Dressing Ingredients
Let’s Get Started: Making Your Banana Ketchup Salad
- Prepare the Salad Base: Wash and dry the lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the lettuce in a large salad bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the banana ketchup, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Taste and Adjust: Dip a piece of lettuce into the dressing to check the flavor. Add more sugar for extra sweetness, vinegar for tang, or salt and pepper to balance the taste.
- Dress Your Salad: Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your banana ketchup dressing salad immediately. It’s delicious on its own or as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Tips and Tricks for a Flavorful Salad
- Not a fan of raw onions? Soak the sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.
- Want a creamier dressing? Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer texture.
- Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken or shrimp, boiled eggs, or tofu for extra protein.
Plating Up Your Salad Masterpiece
Plated Banana Ketchup Salad
Don’t just toss your salad in a bowl! Arrange the salad components on individual plates for a more elegant presentation. Try creating a ring of lettuce, then pile on the toppings in the center. Drizzle with additional dressing and garnish with fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Banana Ketchup Dressing Salad: A Taste of Filipino Cuisine
This recipe offers a delicious introduction to the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine. Banana ketchup, a staple condiment in the Philippines, lends its sweet and tangy profile to this salad, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. So go ahead, try this surprisingly delicious twist on a classic salad, and get ready to wow your taste buds!
What are your favorite salad toppings? Share your creative combinations in the comments below!
