A New Ambrosia
For 4 people
Time: 25 minutes
For the salad:
- 1 large grapefruit, supremed
- 1 large navel orange, supremed
- 3/4 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
- 1 1/4 cups finely diced Haas avocado (about 1 avocado)
- 1 1/2 cups seeded and chopped cucumber (about 1 large cucumber)
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
- 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
For the dressing:
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, mashed to a puree
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (if unsweetened is unavailable, use 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sweetened shredded coconut)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
TO ORDER AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF THE LEE BROS. SOUTHERN COOKBOOK, PHONE 843-720-8890
- In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, lime juice, and olive oil until blended. Whisk in the garlic puree, tarragon, coconut, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
- If you wish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 hour to cool the salad and allow the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving, and serve with a slotted spoon.