This homemade dish is a well-known favorite in Mexico. It is savory, tangy, and crunchy all at the same time! Every household puts its unique spin on it, and today, I'll share my version infused with the flavors and ingredients inspired by Central Mexico.
This post is a recipe about chicharron salad also known has pork rind salad. In Spanish it is called "Ensalada de Chicharron Placero". It has pork rind, avocado, tomatoes, and lime juice.
What is Chicharron Salad?
Chicharrón Salad is a delightful and flavorful dish that incorporates the crispy goodness of chicharrón, or fried pork rind, into a fresh and vibrant salad. This dish is a celebration of textures, combining the crunchy and savory elements of chicharrón with the freshness of vegetables and the zing of lime juice.
While variations exist, the one I'll be making is more common in Central Mexico includes a mix of ingredients such as diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, cubed avocados, chopped cilantro, jalapeños for a hint of heat, and a dressing made with lime juice and olive oil.
The Superhero Ingredient - Pork Rind
In the world of Mexican cuisine, where every bite tells a story, Chicharrón Salad emerges as a delightful tale of textures and flavors.
This dish, with its crispy and savory notes, captures the essence of authentic Mexican street food, bringing a burst of joy to each bite. Pork skin frying in a pot of golden lard is a culinary alchemy that transforms humble ingredients into crispy, golden nuggets of delight.
A sensory symphony that captures the essence of Mexican culinary mastery. The sizzle and pop of pork skin meeting hot lard create a melody that resonates through the bustling streets and marketplaces, enticing passersby with its irresistible allure.
Ingredients
Pork Rind
Crispy, deep fried pork skin is delicious and this is the main ingredient! If you can't find local fried pork rind, you can always use the ones sold in a plastic bag and in the same isle as chips. This Tito 's Choice Chicharrones is the most similar type you can find here in Mexico, but this version similar to potato chips can work as well.
Avocados
Adding avocados adds a creamy texture to the salad. Not only is it healthy, but overall it balances taste and texture.
Cilantro
There's no salad in Mexico where cilantro is not to be found. We love adding cilantro because it is aromatic and gives it that fresh flavor with depth.
Purple Onion
We opt for purple onion than the other types is because of the color and also it is sweeter in tastes for salad.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin oil is great for the salad. It helps coat the salad and give it that extra glossy look.
Lime
Our simple vinaigrette sauce is just lime and olive oil. It is simple but explosion of flavor that is both citrus and refreshing.
Tomatoes
Tomato is a common ingredient to add into salad, especially in Mexico. The color helps make the salad look more enticing and balance both savory and sour taste.
Jalapeno / Serrano pepper
This is optional, but I love adding a bit of heat into the salad. Serrano pepper is hotter than jalapeño if you're deciding which one is better.
Make It into a Taco!
Another way of eating this salad is using this salad as a filling with a soft tortilla. Usually it is serviced with red or green salsa on top.
You can try to make our Green Healthy Tortilla. It will go very well with this salad!
This post is a recipe about chicharron salad also known has pork rind salad. In Spanish it is called "Ensalada de Chicharron Placero". It has pork rind, avocado, tomatoes, and lime juice.
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Chicharron Salad “Ensalada de Chicharrón Placero”
Ingredients
- 220 g crispy chicharrón, broken into bite-sized pieces or 5 cups of chicharron chips
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 2 avocados cubed
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely diced (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 limes juiced
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and lime juice. This zesty dressing will infuse a refreshing citrusy note into our salad.
Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicharrón pieces with the diced tomatoes, avocados, sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, and jalapeños. Drizzle the lime and olive oil dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a harmonious balance that enhances the natural flavors of each element.
Notes
- Enjoy the Chicharrón Salad as a standalone appetizer or side dish.
- Serve it alongside tacos, tostadas, or even as a topping for nachos for an added layer of crunch and flavor.