Hey there, food adventurers!
Summer is calling, and what better way to answer than with a dish that’s as vibrant and exciting as a tropical vacation? I'm talking about my absolutely scrumptious, knock-your-socks-off Zingy Pineapple Noodle Salad!
I was browsing the market, and the sight of those beautiful, plump pineapples practically jumped into my basket. And not only did they look amazing, they were on sale – like a culinary sign from the universe! That's when the idea for this Thai-inspired salad sparked to life. It's not your traditional Thai salad by any means – it's my own little twist, a fun and flavourful dance inspired by those amazing South East Asian flavours that have always tickled my tastebuds!
A Symphony of Flavours and Textures
This salad is a party in your mouth! It’s incredibly easy and quick to make, it's sweet, tangy, refreshing, and packed with fragrant fresh herbs and crunchy roasted peanuts. It has a bed of rice noodles, finely shredded green cabbage, cucumber, and spring onions for crunch and texture. The star of the show is the charred fresh pineapple – its sweetness and juiciness are simply irresistible. The toasted peanuts add a delightful crunch, and the fresh herbs, lemongrass, ginger, chilli, and lime deliver that authentic Thai-esque taste. It’s a rollercoaster of flavours and textures, I promise!
Ingredient Spotlight
- Rice Noodles: I used thin vermicelli rice noodles for this recipe. They're light and cook super fast. Feel free to use your favourite type, just make sure you follow the package instructions for cooking time.
- Green Cabbage: I’ve used the sweetheart variety of green cabbage in this recipe as it's what's in season right now. But Chinese leaf or regular white cabbage work just fine as well.
- Fresh Pineapple: Now this is a must for me – canned pineapple just can’t compete with fresh when grilling!
- Toasted Peanuts: These add so much texture and flavour to this dish. But feel free to use cashews if you're allergic or just fancy a change.
- Fresh Herbs: A generous mix of fresh coriander and mint. If you're feeling fancy, add some Thai basil as well. They're essential for that authentic Thai freshness!
- Lemongrass: A classic South Asian flavour, I use it alongside garlic and chili. If you do not have any, fresh ginger will work well too.
Make it a Meal
Want to make this salad a complete meal? No problem! Simply add your favourite baked tofu or tempeh for some plant-based protein.
Let's Get Cooking!
Ingredients:
- 100g rice noodles
- ½ head of green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 2 small spring onions, thinly sliced
- ½ fresh pineapple, sliced
- ½ cup toasted peanuts (or cashews), crushed
- A handful each of coriander and mint, chopped + a few whole leaves for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 3 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped (or 1 tsp of fresh ginger)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 red chilli (deseeded if you want less heat)
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp coarse salt
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1-2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
Method:
- Cook rice noodles according to package directions.
- Finely shred the cabbage, slice cucumber and spring onions and set aside.
- Cut the pineapple, grill on both sides on a griddle pan with a little oil until you get char marks.
- Combine all salad ingredients except half the peanuts and herbs in a bowl.
- Mix dressing ingredients well and add it to the salad.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with remaining peanuts and herbs.
For the Dressing:
- Finely chop lemongrass, garlic, chili and salt and add to a pestle and mortar, pound until broken down.
- Add sugar, lime zest and juice, mix well until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix in soy sauce and oil. Taste and adjust.
Tips for Success:
- Pineapple Perfection: Fresh pineapple is essential for best results!
- Nutty Goodness: Toast your peanuts for maximum flavour.
- Dressing Magic: Adjust the dressing to your liking - more lime for extra zing, more sugar if it’s too tangy, or more soy sauce for more saltiness.
So there you have it! A super simple, super delicious, and super healthy salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Make it today, and let me know how you like it!
If you make this recipe please share a photo on Instagram using the #zestinasrecipes and @zestinasprout. I'd love to see your creations!