Buko Salad Recipe
Buko salad offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, showcasing the tropical essence of the region. It is a refreshing Filipino dessert that combines young coconut meat (buko) with an assortment of tropical fruits in a creamy, rich dressing. Typically served chilled, it has become a beloved choice for beating the heat on warm days and adding sweetness to special occasions throughout the Philippines.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh young coconut (buko) shredded or in thin strips
- 1 can fruit cocktail (14 oz.) drained
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup nata de coco (coconut gel) drained
- 1/2 cup all-purpose cream (or heavy cream)
- 1 cup palm fruit (kaong) drained
- 1/2 cup fresh milk (or evaporated milk)
- 1/3 cup cheddar cheese cubed (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 cup purple yam (ube) small cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Make sure all canned ingredients like the fruit cocktail, nata de coco, and palm fruit are well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.1 can fruit cocktail (14 oz.), 1/2 cup nata de coco (coconut gel), 1 cup palm fruit (kaong)
- Combine sweetened condensed milk, all-purpose or heavy cream, and fresh milk in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup all-purpose cream (or heavy cream), 1/2 cup fresh milk (or evaporated milk)
- Gently fold the fresh buko into the dairy mixture, ensuring it gets well-coated.4 cups fresh young coconut (buko)
- Add the drained fruit cocktail, nata de coco, and palm fruit (kaong) to the mixture. If you’re using optional ingredients like cheese, corn, or ube, add them now.1 can fruit cocktail (14 oz.), 1/2 cup nata de coco (coconut gel), 1 cup palm fruit (kaong), 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup purple yam (ube)
- Transfer the buko salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least two hours, ideally overnight.
- Once chilled, gently stir the salad and transfer it to serving bowls or into hollowed-out coconut shells for a more authentic presentation.
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