Featured Recipe
Pork Mango Pepper Salad
By Kate
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Cold grilled pork loin slices seasoned with fennel and chili, layered with thinly sliced Lebanese cucumber, mango cut into slender strips, and julienned yellow bell pepper, served over tender lamb’s lettuce. Dressed lightly with a tangy lime-infused mayonnaise, seasoned with salt and pepper. A colorful, crunchy mix of fresh produce with spiced pork, ready in about 20 minutes total, serving two. Nut-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, dairy-free. Citrus mayo adds brightness and a subtle zing to each bite.
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Prep:
20 min
Cook:
0 min
Total:
20 min
Serves:
2 servings
salad
pork
mango
healthy
gluten-free
Introduction
Pork with mango, but a twist. Yellow pepper swaps red for sweetness, a crunch. Lime mayo sharp, bright. Lamb’s lettuce, not mâche — subtly bitter, a textural tweak—keeps freshness in. The pork—fennel seeds, chili lingering warmth, sliced thin, cooled off. Cucumbers add watery coolness, a crisp counterpoint. A salad that plays with layers and contrasts. No fuss, but unexpected. Quick. The whole comes together in 20 minutes tops; simplicity that avoids dullness. Balanced acidity, tender meat, crisp veggies. Color pops on the plate. Notes of sweet, heat, and citrus. Chunky textures but light. Eat chilled or at room temp too. Something that stands out, but not overdone.
Ingredients
About the ingredients
Switched red pepper for yellow bell — sweeter, less sharp, more mellow crunch. Slightly more mango too, bumping from half to two-thirds for a fruitier note. Pork portion up by 50% to ensure protein prominence—no skimp, but keep thin slices. Mayonnaise swapped lemon for lime—freshness plus a slight tangy twist. Prep work straightforward: thin slicing critical for balance, especially with the pork and cucumber. Lamb’s lettuce chosen over mâche for subtle peppery hint and slightly tougher texture, avoids wilting quickly. Salt and pepper at the end—adjust cautiously to keep bright flavors alive. Easy swaps yield a salad that’s familiar but tweaked with small surprises.
Method
Technique Tips
Layering isn’t just visual—alternating pork, cucumber, mango, and pepper gives each bite a mix of flavors and textures. Start with pork slices; lay them flat, then interlace thin cucumber slices and mango strips. Julienne the yellow pepper thin for delicate crunch without overpowering. Distribute lamb’s lettuce sporadically to break monotony and provide a gentle bitter contrast. Season last for controlled saltiness. Lime mayo doesn’t coat but dots or thin lines across the top, adding bursts of citrus creaminess. Serve right away for crispness; can be chilled briefly but avoid sogginess. Simple but requires attention to proportion and slice thickness for maximum sensory impact.
Chef's Notes
- 💡 Selecting the right pork important. Tenderloin keeps it juicy. Grill with fennel seeds. Chili adds heat. Chill thoroughly before slicing. Thin slices needed. Balance is key here.
- 💡 Picking ripe mango is crucial too. Should be slightly soft. Cuts cleanly into strips. No fibrous texture. Avoid underripe. Cucumber should be Lebanese. Thinly sliced—crisp element.
- 💡 Lamb's lettuce adds unique crunch. Peppery hint enriches flavor profile. Keep it fresh; avoid wilting. Season with salt and pepper at the end. Brightness maintained, taste vibrant.
- 💡 Lime mayonnaise elevates dish. Drizzle or dot over top. Creaminess without overpowering. Can adjust lime to lemon if needed. Experiment with proportions for personal taste.
- 💡 Prepare ingredients ahead for simplicity. Slice everything thinly. Pork, cucumber, mango all need that attention. Quick to assemble but requires knife skills. Serve chilled for the best crunch.
Kitchen Wisdom
How to make pork tender?
Use tenderloin. Grill evenly. Chill first. Slice thin for tenderness. Season lightly. Maintain moisture balance here too.
Best way to store the salad?
Keep in fridge, but not too long. Fresh components will wilt. Up to 10 minutes fine. Can store dressed or undressed; choice matters.
Can I substitute lime mayo?
Yes, use plain mayo with zest. Yogurt works too for tangy flavors. Adjust to taste. Just ensure it's creamy still.
What if I want more protein?
Add more pork. Ensure thin slices though. Chicken could work in a pinch too. Just keep the spicing similar for flavor.
