Ensalada Criolla Cubana

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g) 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g)
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g) 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g)
• 3 tablespoons lime juice (45ml) 3 tablespoons lime juice (45ml)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and bell peppers.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the salad and toss again.
5. 5.
   Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Red onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow its sharp flavor.
• Lime juice — Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a vibrant and tangy taste.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dressing.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• To make the salad more substantial, you can add diced avocado or cooked black beans.
• Serve the Ensalada Criolla as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Make sure to let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
• Garnish the salad with some extra cilantro leaves for a fresh and vibrant presentation.

Serving advice

Serve the Ensalada Criolla chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for tacos or quesadillas.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Ensalada Criolla in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for an appealing presentation.