Lychee Pineapple Salad

FOR CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD & GRILLED DISHES 

The Lychee Pineapple Salad is a vibrant and exotic medley of flavors that combines the sweetness of lychees, the tropical essence of pineapple, and the juicy freshness of other fruits. This refreshing salad not only adds a burst of colors to your plate but also introduces a delightful balance of tastes that can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to various dishes, particularly grilled poultry.

Lychees, with their delicate floral aroma and juicy flesh, provide a luscious base for this salad. Their natural sweetness is complemented by the tangy and vibrant notes of blood orange or regular orange segments. The addition of diced mango contributes a rich and tropical taste that resonates with the pineapple’s natural sweetness.

Cucumber and pear add a crisp texture and subtle, refreshing flavors to the mix, while the lime juice and chopped cilantro infuse the salad with a zesty and herbaceous quality. The crushed hot red chile flakes introduce a hint of heat that awakens the palate without overwhelming the fruity medley. A sprinkling of Indian chaat masala seasoning adds a unique twist, enhancing the overall profile with its blend of spices.

This salad isn’t just about taste; it’s a visual treat as well. The combination of vibrant colors, from the deep hues of blood oranges to the golden mango and the pale lychees, creates an enticing and appetizing presentation that’s sure to capture attention.

Perfect for warm days, the Lychee Pineapple Salad brings a touch of the tropics to your table. Whether served as a standalone refreshing dish or paired with grilled poultry, the contrasting textures and harmonious flavors offer a unique culinary experience that combines the exotic with the familiar. This salad is an embodiment of the creativity that can arise from mixing different ingredients to create something truly special.

MAKES: ABOUT 4½ CUPS, ENOUGH TO ACCOMPANY 6 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup diced fresh lychees, or canned lychees, drained
• 1 cup diced blood orange or regular orange segments
• 1 cup diced mango
• ½ cup diced peeled cucumber
• ½ cup diced fresh pineapple
• ½ cup diced peeled pear
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ teaspoon crushed hot red chile flakes
• Several grinds of black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Indian chaat masala seasoning or kosher salt or coarse sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the lychees, blood orange segments, mango, cucumber, pineapple, and pear. Place them all in a large bowl.
2. Add Flavor Elements: Squeeze the juice of one lime (about 2 tablespoons) over the diced fruits. Add the chopped fresh cilantro, crushed hot red chile flakes, and several grinds of black pepper to the bowl.
3. Toss and Combine: Gently toss all the ingredients in the bowl to combine. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors will create a vibrant and refreshing mixture.
4. Let the Flavors Marinate: Allow the fruit salsa to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and develop.
5. Optional Refrigeration: If you’re not serving the salsa immediately, you can cover the bowl and refrigerate it for up to 3 hours. This can help the flavors intensify even more.
6. Final Touch: Just before serving, sprinkle the Indian chaat masala seasoning over the fruit salsa. Alternatively, you can use kosher salt or coarse sea salt if you prefer a more traditional seasoning.
7. Serve and Enjoy: This Exotic Fruit Salsa is a delightful accompaniment to grilled chicken or other poultry dishes. The combination of tropical fruits, zesty citrus, and a hint of spice adds a burst of flavor and color to your meal.