Zesty Green Apple, Jicama & Prawn Salad with Mint-Lemongrass Dijon Dressing

This vibrant and refreshing salad is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. The crisp sweetness of green apple and jicama perfectly complements the succulent prawns, while the aromatic mint-lemongrass Dijon dressing ties everything together beautifully. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a summer lunch, a light dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal cooking. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Salad

* **Flavorful and Refreshing:** The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is simply irresistible.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence.
* **Easy to Make:** With minimal cooking and simple instructions, this salad comes together in no time.
* **Versatile:** Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding other ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or toasted nuts.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors and textures make this salad a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients

### For the Salad:

* 1 pound large prawns, peeled, deveined, and cooked
* 1 large green apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and julienned
* 1 medium jicama, peeled and julienned
* 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

### For the Mint-Lemongrass Dijon Dressing:

* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
* 1 stalk lemongrass, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons)
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

* Large bowl
* Small bowl or jar
* Whisk or fork
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

1. **Cooking Options:** There are several ways to cook the prawns. You can either boil them, pan-fry them, grill them, or bake them. Choose your preferred method. I will describe boiling and pan-frying.

2. **Boiling (Quick and Easy):** Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become rubbery.

3. **Pan-Frying (Adds Flavor):** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. You can add a clove of minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pan for extra flavor.

4. **Cooling:** Once cooked, remove the prawns from the heat and let them cool slightly. If you boiled them, you can shock them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep them tender.

5. **Optional: Butterfly the Prawns:** For a more elegant presentation, you can butterfly the prawns by slicing them lengthwise down the back, without cutting all the way through. This will also allow them to cook more evenly.

6. Pat the prawns dry with a paper towel. This will help them to brown nicely if you are pan-frying them.

### Step 2: Prepare the Green Apple and Jicama

1. **Wash and Core:** Wash the green apple thoroughly and core it. You can leave the skin on for extra fiber and nutrients, or peel it if you prefer.

2. **Julienne:** Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, julienne the green apple into thin, even strips. This will ensure that they blend well with the other ingredients and provide a pleasant texture.

3. **Peel the Jicama:** Peel the jicama using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Jicama has a thick, waxy skin that needs to be removed.

4. **Julienne the Jicama:** Similar to the green apple, julienne the jicama into thin, even strips. Jicama has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and a crisp texture that adds a refreshing element to the salad.

5. **Prevent Browning (Optional):** Green apples tend to brown quickly once cut. To prevent this, you can toss the julienned apple with a tablespoon of lime juice. This will help to preserve its color and add a touch of tartness.

### Step 3: Prepare the Mint-Lemongrass Dijon Dressing

1. **Mince the Lemongrass:** Lemongrass can be tough, so it’s important to mince it very finely. Remove the tough outer layers and use only the tender inner core. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to mince the lemongrass.

2. **Chop the Mint:** Finely chop the fresh mint leaves. Mint adds a refreshing and aromatic element to the dressing. Other herbs like basil or cilantro can be used instead of mint.

3. **Mince the Garlic:** Mince the garlic clove. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the dressing. If you don’t like garlic, you can omit it or use a pinch of garlic powder.

4. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or agave nectar), minced lemongrass, chopped mint, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper.

5. **Whisk or Shake:** Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and emulsified. Alternatively, you can put the ingredients in a jar, seal the lid tightly, and shake well.

6. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lime juice for tartness, honey for sweetness, or salt and pepper for flavor.

7. Let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This will result in a more balanced and flavorful dressing.

### Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. **Combine Salad Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked prawns, julienned green apple, julienned jicama, chopped mint, and chopped cilantro.

2. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the Mint-Lemongrass Dijon Dressing over the salad.

3. **Toss Gently:** Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-toss, as this can bruise the mint and cilantro.

4. **Season to Taste:** Taste the salad and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

5. **Chill (Optional):** For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to become more refreshing.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips and Variations

* **Add Avocado:** Diced avocado adds a creamy and rich element to the salad. Add it just before serving to prevent it from browning.
* **Add Bell Peppers:** Julienned bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) add a pop of color and sweetness to the salad.
* **Add Toasted Nuts:** Toasted almonds, cashews, or peanuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Sprinkle them over the salad just before serving.
* **Substitute Shrimp:** You can substitute the prawns with cooked chicken, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan option.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss the salad with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like basil, parsley, or chives in the dressing or salad.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Consider adding thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or cherry tomatoes for added texture and nutrients.
* **Grill the Prawns:** For a smoky flavor, grill the prawns instead of boiling or pan-frying them.
* **Make it a Meal:** Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa to make it a more substantial meal.
* **For a Vegan Option:** Substitute honey with agave and make sure your Dijon mustard is vegan-friendly.
* **Prepare Ahead:** You can prepare the dressing and julienne the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve the salad as a refreshing appetizer at your next dinner party.
* **Lunch:** Pack the salad for a healthy and delicious lunch.
* **Light Dinner:** Enjoy the salad as a light and satisfying dinner on a warm evening.
* **Side Dish:** Serve the salad as a side dish with grilled fish, chicken, or tofu.
* **Potluck:** Bring the salad to a potluck or picnic for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

Storage Instructions

The salad is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the green apple and jicama may lose some of their crispness over time.

The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Green Apple, Jicama & Prawn Salad with Mint-Lemongrass Dijon Dressing is a vibrant and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. Give it a try and let me know what you think!