turks-and-caicosstarter
Turks & Caicos Conch Salad
Fresh conch tossed with citrus, peppers, and onion — a refreshing island classic.
Prep
20 min
Cook
0 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.7(312 ratings)#seafood#raw#citrus#island#gluten-free
About This Recipe
Conch salad is the signature dish of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Raw conch is tenderised with lime juice, then combined with sweet peppers, tomato, and scotch bonnet for a bright, ceviche-style dish enjoyed along the beach.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 500 gfresh conch meat(thinly sliced)
- 3limes(juiced)
- 1orange(juiced)
- 1green bell pepper(finely diced)
- 1medium tomato(diced)
- ½scotch bonnet pepper(seeded, minced)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare conch
Slice conch into small bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
- 2
Marinate
Pour lime and orange juice over conch and toss well. Let sit 10 minutes.
The acid will slightly firm the meat.
- 3
Add vegetables
Stir in bell pepper, tomato, and scotch bonnet.
- 4
Season and serve
Season with salt, toss once more, and serve immediately in chilled bowls.
Pro Tips
- →
Use the freshest conch possible.
- →
Chill bowls in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.
Variations
- •
Add diced mango for sweetness.
- •
Use lobster instead of conch.
Storage
Best eaten immediately; refrigerate up to 4 hours.
History & Origin
Conch salad has been a staple in the Turks & Caicos for generations, influenced by Caribbean and Bahamian culinary traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is raw conch safe to eat?
Yes, when very fresh — the citrus marinade also helps denature surface proteins.
Where can I find conch?
Asian fish markets and Caribbean grocery stores often carry it frozen.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 4 servings total
Calories140kcal
Protein22g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat1g
Fiber1g
Protein22g
Carbs8g
Fat1g
Time Summary
Prep time20 min
Cook time0 min
Total time20 min
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