Banana & Chicory Salad

If you’re looking for a unique and refreshing salad that combines sweet and tangy flavors, the Banana & Chicory Salad is an excellent choice. This salad features thickly sliced bananas paired with crisp chicory leaves, creating a delightful contrast in textures. The dressing, made with lemon zest and juice, sunflower oil, and a touch of sugar, adds a zesty and slightly sweet note to the salad. A sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves and toasted desiccated coconut adds a pop of flavor and visual appeal. This salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a vibrant and delicious banana and chicory salad.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 bananas, thickly sliced
• Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 heads of chicory
• 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon toasted desiccated coconut
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Toss the thickly sliced bananas in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Cut a cone-shaped core out of the base of each chicory head, then separate the leaves. Arrange the chicory leaves on a serving plate and pile the sliced bananas in the center.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, sunflower oil, and granulated sugar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the dressing until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad, ensuring it coats the bananas and chicory leaves evenly.
5. Sprinkle the chopped fresh coriander leaves and toasted desiccated coconut over the salad for added flavor and garnish.
6. Serve the Banana & Chicory Salad straight away to enjoy its vibrant flavors and textures.

TIPS:

• For added crunch, you can include some toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, in the salad.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can drizzle a small amount of honey over the salad before serving.
• To enhance the presentation, you can add some edible flowers or microgreens as a colorful garnish.
• Feel free to adjust the dressing to your taste by adding more lemon juice, sugar, or seasoning according to your preference.

YIELD:

• Serves 4

In conclusion, the Banana & Chicory Salad is a unique and flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of bananas and the crispness of chicory leaves. With a zesty lemon dressing, fresh coriander, and toasted coconut, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The combination of bananas and chicory creates an interesting contrast, with the bananas providing a natural sweetness and the chicory offering a slightly bitter and refreshing taste. The dressing, made with lemon zest and juice, adds a tangy note that complements the flavors of the salad beautifully.

Whether served as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, the Banana & Chicory Salad is sure to impress your taste buds. The addition of fresh coriander and toasted desiccated coconut adds a burst of flavor and a touch of visual appeal.

So, next time you’re looking for a creative and delicious salad, give the Banana & Chicory Salad a try. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will add a refreshing twist to your meal. Enjoy the combination of sweet, tangy, and crispy elements in this vibrant salad!