Are you craving a taste of the tropics? Then look no further! This Filipino Buko Salad recipe is a delightful and refreshing dessert, perfect for a hot summer day or any occasion when you need a quick and easy yet impressive treat. It's a simple combination of sweet, creamy, and chewy textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, and it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite quick dinner ideas or after-meal treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup young coconut (buko) meat, shredded
- 1 (15-ounce) can sweetened creamed coconut, refrigerated overnight
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup all-purpose cream or heavy cream, whipped (to stiff peaks)
- 1/2 cup nata de coco, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup macapuno (sweet coconut sport) strips, drained
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup green grapes, halved
- Cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coconut Cream: This step is crucial for the best texture. Refrigerate the can of sweetened creamed coconut overnight. This allows the cream to separate from the liquid, making it easier to scoop out the thick, creamy part. Discard the watery liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold in the shredded buko meat, the scooped-out creamed coconut, and the sweetened condensed milk. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain some texture.
- Add the Whipped Cream: Slowly fold in the whipped cream until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing to prevent the mixture from becoming too thin.
- Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients: Gently stir in the nata de coco, macapuno strips, red grapes, and green grapes.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. This improves the overall taste and texture.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish with a cherry (optional) and serve chilled.
Cooking Tips for the Best Buko Salad:
- Use fresh young coconut: If you can find fresh young coconut, it will significantly elevate the flavor of your buko salad.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a watery and less appealing texture. Gently fold the ingredients together.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
- Add other fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, or melon balls.
Variations:
- Chocolate Buko Salad: Add 1/4 cup of chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for a decadent twist.
- Buko Salad with Jelly: Incorporate your favorite fruit jelly for added texture and sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: ~15-20g
- Carbohydrates: ~40-45g
- Protein: ~3-5g
This delicious Filipino Buko Salad is a simple yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its refreshing taste and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, and the ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. This healthy meal option offers a delightful balance of sweet and creamy flavors, making it a wonderful addition to your repertoire of best recipes. Enjoy!