Thursday, June 18, 2009

Fresh Thai Pineapple & Cucumber Salad

I love pineapples (Ananas comosus), a versatile fruit in which it's so sweeeeeeet and very fragrant as well! I like to use them not only in sweet desserts, drinks (what's Piña Colada without Pineapple!) or the local favourite like Pineapple Jam and Pineapple Tarts! It also gives extra tang (or a 'kick') of sweetness in savoury recipes like Pineapple Pajeri, Achar, Crab Curry, Salt Fish with Pineapple Curry, Sambals, Rojaks, Salad... The list is endless with such delicious fruit originated from southern part of Brazil and Paraguay. There are several types of pineapples hybrids that I love, available locally in Malaysia, mainly Moris (Gula Batu/Rock Sugar) Pineapple, Sarawak Pineapple, Honey Pineapple, Joesphine and Gandul Pineapple.

I remembered when I was little, I hate eating pineapples even though it's so delicious in my favourite Salt Fish & Pineapple Curry or Laksa. It's because of the dark brown 'eyes', bracts or spots which ever names it's known, caused my tongue to itch and hurt badly. My mom furiously scared when I ate pineapples with hands... :-D It's because the pineapple juice left blotches of marks on her vinyl flooring when dried... :-P Well, occasionally I still have the stings but I can handle it... with MucoAid :-P

Here's a fresh salad recipe that is very simple to make for a fuss-free hot Summer days gathering with family and friends over the BBQ... with cool and refreshing Piña Colada, of course!

Fresh Thai Pineapple & Cucumber Salad
Serves 2-4

¼ pc Fresh Pineapple ~ peeled, cored and dark brown 'eyes'/bracts removed*
( * I used only ¼ of 1 whole fresh pineapple)

2 nos Japanese Cucumbers (Kyuri) or 1 medium size cucumber
1 nos Red Onion ~ thinly sliced
1 bunch Watercress
1 Red Chilli ~ sliced thinly (optional)

Dressing:
3 Tbl Fresh Lime or Lemon juice
2 Tbl Soy Sauce
1 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Chilli Sauce
2 Tbl Fresh Mint ~ chopped (about 3-4 stalks)

Method:
1. Peel cucumbers and cut into halves lengthwise. With a small teaspoon, scoop out the seeds and cut into 1 cm pieces (you can leave the seeds on if you want, if you're using Japanese Cucumbers/Kyuri). Place it in a bowl.
2. Cut the pineapple also into 1 cm pieces and add to the cucumber.
3. Add in the sliced red onion and watercress. Mix well.
4. For the dressing; in another bowl, mix all ingredients with a whisk.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly. Serve in a salad bowl or individual plates. If you want extra spicy and hot, add some more sliced red chilli.

Note: To avoid the salad become watery, add the dressing only when you are about to serve. If you like, add some coarsely pounded toasted peanuts or any nuts of your choice.

Enjoy!




Fresh Thai Pineapple & Cucumber Salad on Foodista

30 comments:

  1. siew fong turns sous chef! when are u coming to BA to cook for us?! I am salivating as I write. I like all the experimental and unusual recipes! keep up the good work... thim

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  2. Oooooh! I have a whole pineapple, sitting patiently next to the fruit bowl, waiting to be used this very moment. Maybe I'll try your salad for lunch. Even though it's raining here (not quite summer, yet), I think the refreshing mix of ingredients will help it feel sunny!

    I found you on TasteSpotting and am writing to say that if you have any photos that aren’t accepted there, I’d love to publish them. Visit my new site (below), it’s a lot of fun! I hope you will consider it.

    Best,
    Casey
    Editor
    www.tastestopping.wordpress.com

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  3. Hi Casey ~ wow, I love that idea! C'est genial! I'd been reading the cause of your site. It's a breathe of fresh air :-)

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  4. Yum, I adore pineapple. But I know what you mean about the burning mouth from all that acid :) Your salad looks beautiful! :D

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  5. I've only bought fresh pineapple once but I really love the canned one as well. The salad sounds delicious.

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  6. That looks wonderfully refershing! I can't wait till we finally get some real summer sun so I can make stuff like this.

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  7. Hello pixen
    Thanks for your comments and visit.
    You have a fantastic blog,with tasty recipes.

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  8. looks so refreshing! I love pineapples but it's a pain to cut!

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  9. This is a gorgeous salad. I love the combination of cucumbers and pineapple, which I have put together before, but never with flavors quite like this. I can't wait to give it a shot!

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  10. Hi Laura ~ Pineapples are delicious but the 'burning' sensation at times it's to much to handle in my case.

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  11. Hello Ivy ~ you can replace the fresh pineapple with canned ones but you have to remove the syrup which I feel is too sweet. Get the pineapple rings instead of chunks.

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  12. Hi Jessica ~ thank you for dropping by :-) Do make lots of it. I can finish the whole bowl by myself. I chilled the salad and dressing first before mixing them together. It's also great as potluck. You can put the salad in an ice bowl and dressing separately. Let your guests help themselves to their heart content... :-)

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  13. Bom dia Canela ~ thank you for encouragement. You have great blog and I will definitely try out your recipes.

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  14. Hi pigpigscorner ~ lazy to cut? Can ask your other half to help or use canned... but not that nice ya?

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  15. Hi Haley ~ thank you for visiting. Let me know how you like the recipe. By the way, I love your Vanilla Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting! The frosting is so vivid and catchy! Your Guacamole, mmmm mmmmm!

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  16. Hola Thim ~ thank you for the encouragement. Actually, I'm a cook for my family and my stomach. I'm waiting for your food blog ok! You can blog about Argentianian cuisine and your own creation.When are we going to have another late 'Crab Party' again?

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  17. I enjoy the simple yet delicious recipe like this! A classic summer treat!

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  18. I've never had a thai salad that I didn't love. This looks scrumptious!

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  19. Nice colors..I bet it's very tasty too..

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  20. I love fresh pineapple and buy it often here but the absolute best pineapple I ever tasted was on our trip to Hawaii--it was unforgettable; so fresh, sweet and tart!

    I love salads that combine sweet and salty flavors and this looks incredible.

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  21. Hi Angie ~ It's very fresh and tasty, I had to make another batch for my family the same day! We finished the whole pineapple much to my delight. This freed my fridge more space :-D

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  22. Hello Maria ~ Fresh pineapples are scrumptious! When you managed to have those juicy, sweet & fragrant fruits... it's heaven. Not only it's great for salad and grilling/BBQ but a meat tenderiser as well (besides papaya leaves).

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  23. Hi Gaga ~ thank you for visiting me :-)

    Hello, Peachkin ~ Maraming salamat sa 'yo visiting my blog :-) Your daughter is so cute!

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  24. pixen, thank you for commenting on my blog! i am so glad to meet new bloggers. your recipes are wonderful, and i love your photos! i'll be following you on my reader.

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  25. THis recipe is what I need for this weekend. It's hot here in Paris and I have lots of guests for lunch! Thank you

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  26. This salad sounds really good! Great flavour combinations!

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  27. Love your site but couldn't find you on FoodBuzz! =) Would love to blogroll.

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  28. Hi Kevin - thanks :-) I really like your Khao Pad Saparod!

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  29. Hi Belinda@Zompa ~ thank you for visiting :-) I'm still in Foodbuzz... just click the Foodbuzz's Feature Publisher link on top right corner :-D

    No problem with blogroll :-)

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  30. Pineapples and mint leaves are great companion. This salad is the best choice for my family in this hot weather. ;)

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I really appreciate foodies who took their precious time visiting my blog, leaving encouraging comments and suggestions to help me not only improving my blog but also my skills. Thank you very, very, very much from my heart for your kind attention. Whether you're a professional chefs, enthusiasts, foodies or novice like me, please do leave a comment or two even if you don't speak or write English, I can use translator right? I don't earn any income from comments but I do earned lots of new friends :-D You're welcome anytime to my humble lab :-P

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