vanuatuansalad
Vanuatuan Pamplemousse Salad
Refreshing pomelo segments tossed with chilli, lime, and toasted coconut — a bright island starter.
Prep
15 min
Cook
5 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.5(180 ratings)#vanuatu#salad#pomelo#citrus#vegan#gluten-free#light
About This Recipe
Pamplemousse (pomelo) trees grow abundantly in Vanuatu's gardens. This zingy salad pairs the fruit's mild bitterness with bird's eye chilli heat, lime juice, and crunchy toasted coconut. It is served as a starter or palate cleanser at family gatherings and is prized for its ability to combat tropical heat.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 1 largepomelo (pamplemousse), segmented and membrane removed
- 1 smallred chilli, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsplime juice
- 3 tbsptoasted desiccated coconut
- 1 tbspfish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan)
- handfulfresh mint leaves
Instructions
- 1
Toast coconut
Toast desiccated coconut in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden. Set aside.
- 2
Mix dressing
Whisk lime juice and fish sauce together.
- 3
Toss
Combine pomelo segments, chilli, and mint in a bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
- 4
Top and serve
Scatter toasted coconut over the top and serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- →
Break pomelo into small pieces for easier eating.
- →
Chill pomelo segments before assembling for a refreshing effect.
Variations
- •
Add thinly sliced cucumber.
- •
Use grapefruit if pomelo is unavailable.
Storage
Best eaten immediately. Dress just before serving.
History & Origin
Citrus salads combining local fruit, chilli, and coconut are found across Melanesia, adapted from both indigenous traditions and colonial French influence in Vanuatu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this very spicy?
With one small chilli it is mildly spicy; remove seeds or reduce chilli for less heat.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (150g) · 4 servings total
Calories110kcal
Protein2g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat4g
Fiber2g
Protein2g
Carbs18g
Fat4g
Time Summary
Prep time15 min
Cook time5 min
Total time20 min
Have Questions?
Ask our AI cooking assistant anything about this recipe — substitutions, techniques, scaling.
Chat with AI Chef →More Vanuatuan Recipes
Community
Join the conversation
Sign in to leave a comment and save your favourite recipes