Solterito (Andean Fava Bean, Corn and Cheese Salad)
In short: A fresh Andean salad of fava beans, sweet corn, tomato, red onion, olives and fresh cheese in a sharp lime and oregano dressing. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 310 kcal
Solterito is a cool, colorful salad from the Peruvian highlands, especially Arequipa and Cusco. Fava beans, large-kernel corn, tomato, red onion, olives and cubes of fresh cheese are tossed in a dressing of lime juice, oil and oregano, with a little chili for bite. It is served as a starter, a side with grilled meat or a light lunch. It keeps well, which makes it good for picnics.
Instructions
- Boil the fava beans in salted water for 5 to 8 minutes (4 to 5 minutes if frozen), until tender. Drain and cool in iced water. If the outer skins feel tough, slip them off.
- If using fresh corn, boil the ears for 5 minutes, cool, and cut off the kernels.
- Soak the diced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well.
- Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, olives, chili and parsley and toss. Fold in the cheese.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Rest for 15 minutes so the flavors blend, then serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tips
- Frozen fava beans save time. If you cannot find them, use edamame or peas, and add diced avocado for creaminess.
- Keep the cheese and tomatoes out until just before serving if you make the salad ahead, so they do not turn watery.
Questions and answers
What cheese goes in solterito?
Queso fresco, a fresh, mildly salty cow's milk cheese. Feta is the closest substitute, but go lightly on the salt.
Can I make solterito ahead of time?
Yes, up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge and add the tomatoes and cheese shortly before serving.
Can I make solterito vegan?
Yes. Replace the cheese with cubes of firm tofu or avocado, and add a little extra salt.
How long does it take to make Solterito (Andean Fava Bean, Corn and Cheese Salad)?
About 40 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Solterito (Andean Fava Bean, Corn and Cheese Salad)?
About 310 kcal per serving, with 13 g of protein, 25 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 310 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
