Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado – A Taste of Peru at Home

Bring bold Peruvian flavor to your table with this Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado! Tender beef, sautéed onions and tomatoes, and a kick of ají amarillo paste come together in this quick, crave-worthy stir-fry.

Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado – A Taste of Peru at Home

I’ve made more stir-fries than I can count—quick weeknight veggie tosses, saucy noodle wonders, sizzling skillet meals with every protein you can imagine. But this one? This Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado just might be the most exciting addition to my stir-fry repertoire yet. It’s not just about speed or simplicity (though it checks both boxes), it’s about flavor—rich, bold, and unmistakably Peruvian.

Peruvian food has always held a special place in my heart, but for the longest time, I hesitated to try it at home. It felt like a cuisine best left to restaurants—complex, layered, mysterious. But as it turns out, the magic of Lomo Saltado is totally within reach. A few pantry staples, a spoonful of ají amarillo paste for that signature heat, and suddenly my kitchen smelled like a Lima street corner at dinnertime.

The first time I made it, I realized just how approachable—and addictive—it really is. Juicy strips of beef seared to perfection, sweet onions and tomatoes tossed in a soy-vinegar glaze, and that glorious finishing touch: golden fries served right on top, with steamed rice to catch every drop of the sauce. It’s fusion comfort food at its finest—and now, a regular on my dinner rotation.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Meat 

• Sirloin steak or beef tenderloin

Produce

• Red onion

• Tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes)

• Garlic

• Potatoes (for fries) (optional if not using frozen)

International/Latin Foods

• Ají amarillo paste

Spices & Seasonings

• Ground cumin

• Salt

• Black pepper

Oils & Vinegars

• Vegetable oil

• Red wine vinegar (or white vinegar)

Baking

• Cornstarch

Asian/Global Sauces

• Soy sauce

Broth & Canned Goods

• Beef broth (or substitute with water)

Frozen Foods (optional shortcut)

• Frozen French fries

Grains & Rice

• White rice

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Don’t have every ingredient on hand? No worries—here are some easy swaps to keep the flavor going strong:

• Beef: Use chicken thighs, pork loin, or even tofu for a different protein twist.

• Red wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar works in a pinch.

• Beef broth: Chicken broth, veggie broth, or even water with a splash of soy sauce can do the job.

• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes (drained and roughly chopped) are good stand-ins.

• French fries: Use frozen fries for ease, or try roasted potato wedges 

Recipe Variations

Looking to mix things up? These Lomo Saltado twists keep the essence of the dish while offering fresh spins:

• Chicken Saltado: Swap the beef for boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter take that still packs plenty of flavor.

• Vegetarian Saltado: Use mushrooms (like portobello or oyster), extra-firm tofu, or even seitan as your protein base. Add extra veggies like zucchini or green beans for bulk.

• Seafood Saltado: Try shrimp or scallops for a coastal-inspired twist—just be sure to cook them quickly to avoid overcooking.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• High Heat = Great Sear: Lomo Saltado is all about that quick, hot stir-fry. Use a wok or large skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the beef in batches to get that golden sear without steaming it.

• Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes: Add the tomatoes near the end and cook just until they soften slightly—they should help form a light sauce, not become mushy.

• Shortcut with Frozen Fries: No shame in skipping the homemade potatoes—frozen fries baked or air-fried until crisp are a great time-saver.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the stir-fry rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and juices redistribute.

• Double the Batch: Lomo Saltado reheats well—make extra for lunch the next day. Just keep rice and fries separate so they don’t get soggy.

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🍽️ Your Turn!

Ready to bring the bold flavors of Peru into your kitchen? Give this Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your photos, tips, or any tasty twists you make—I’d love to hear your take on this classic. Don’t forget to tag me @SliceofSouthern if you post it on Instagram!

Taste the Rainbow: A Crisp & Colorful Everyday Salad

Bright, fresh, and packed with colorful veggies, this Rainbow Salad is the perfect healthy side or light meal. Easy to make, customizable, and ready in minutes! 

Taste the Rainbow: A Crisp & Colorful Everyday Salad

Some days call for something warm and hearty—but then there are those times when what you really want is something bright, fresh, and full of color. That’s how this Rainbow Salad came to be. It started as a side dish to go with grilled chicken on a sunny evening, but quickly became a go-to in my kitchen. It’s crisp, crunchy, and beautiful on the plate—like a little celebration of the produce drawer.

What I love most is how versatile it is. This salad fits in just as easily at a weeknight dinner as it does on a lunch table with quiche, sandwiches, or a big pot of soup. The colorful mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, red cabbage, and bell pepper gives you that satisfying crunch and a whole lot of flavor with every bite. And because it’s so simple, you can switch up the dressing depending on your mood—balsamic for something classic, lemon-tahini for a Mediterranean twist, or creamy ranch when comfort is calling.

It’s the kind of salad you can throw together in minutes, yet it never feels like an afterthought. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it with grilled salmon, or keeping it light alongside a veggie-packed frittata, this Rainbow Salad is always a welcome burst of freshness.

Enjoy!

Make It a Meal

This salad shines as a side, but it can easily hold its own as the star of the plate with a few simple add-ins:

• Top with Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas for a satisfying boost.

• Toss in Grains: Mix in cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous to make it heartier.

• Add Creaminess: Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or diced avocado takes the texture (and flavor!) up a notch.

• Serve with: Pair it with a slice of savory quiche, a warm baguette, or a bowl of soup for a cozy, balanced meal.

What Ingredients do I need?

🥬 Produce

• Green leaf lettuce

• Cucumbers

• Cherry tomatoes

• Yellow bell pepper

• Shredded carrots (or whole carrots to shred yourself)

• Red cabbage

🧂 Condiments / Dressings

• Salad dressing of your choice
  (e.g., balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, lemon-tahini, etc.)

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Leafy Greens:  Romaine, Baby spinach, Butter lettuce, Arugula (for a peppery twist), Mixed spring greens

• Cucumbers:  English cucumber, Zucchini, Celery

• Cherry Tomatoes:  Grape tomatoes, Diced Roma or heirloom tomatoes, or even Roasted red peppers

• Yellow Bell Pepper:  Red or orange bell pepper, Sliced banana peppers (for a tangy kick), or even Jicama (sweetness & crunch)

Variations

• Mediterranean Rainbow Salad:  Add: Kalamata olives, feta cheese, chickpeas - Dressing: Lemon-oregano vinaigrette or red wine vinaigrette - Optional: Toasted pita chips for crunch

• Southwest Rainbow Salad:  Add: Black beans, corn, avocado, shredded pepper jack - Dressing: Cilantro-lime or creamy chipotle ranch - Optional: Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

• Protein-Packed Rainbow Salad:  Add: Grilled chicken or turkey, hard-boiled eggs, sunflower seeds - Dressing: Honey mustard or Caesar - Optional: Quinoa or farro for a heartier base

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Prep Ahead: Chop all your veggies up to a day in advance and store them in separate containers to keep everything fresh and crisp.

• Uniform Cuts = Better Texture: Julienned or thinly sliced veggies (especially the cucumbers and bell peppers) help each bite feel balanced and easy to eat.

• Use What You Have: This salad is all about color and crunch—don’t stress if you’re missing one ingredient. Swap in whatever’s fresh and vibrant!

• Toss Right Before Serving: To keep everything crisp, add the dressing just before serving, or serve it on the side for a build-your-own salad bar vibe.

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Optional Dressings to Make:

1. Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette (Tangy & Balanced)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

2. Lemon-Tahini Dressing (Creamy & Citrus-Fresh)

• 2 tablespoons tahini

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey

• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Stir tahini and lemon juice together until smooth, then whisk in olive oil, sweetener, and water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Season to taste.

3. Herby Buttermilk Ranch (Cool & Creamy)

• ¼ cup buttermilk

• 2 tablespoons mayo

• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt

• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and chill before serving for the best flavor.

💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you tried this salad? What are your favorite summer salad ingredients? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern—I’d love to see how yours turns out!

Bridgerton Brunch: Gilded Whispers: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote

A refined Bridgerton-inspired dessert, this Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote is a light, elegant finale for any brunch. Silky, delicate, and crowned with a jewel-toned topping—fit for royalty and whispered secrets alike.

Click here to begin your immersive experience.

💐A Final Flourish:

The Bridgerton Brunch Series

A Sweet Return from the Country

Dearest Gentle Reader,

You may have noticed a brief pause in our regularly scheduled promenade through pastries and propriety. As it happens, this author was most unavoidably called away to the country—where the air is crisp, the invitations fewer, and the panna cotta all but nonexistent. But now, with parasols properly packed and inspiration renewed, we return to town bearing one final, most exquisite delight.

Allow me to present the sixth and crowning entry in our Bridgerton Brunch series:

Gilded Whispers: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote

A dessert as graceful as a curtsey and as captivating as a well-timed glance across a ballroom floor. Silken and sophisticated, this panna cotta offers a final toast to our brunch affair with the softest whisper of vanilla and the jeweled elegance of a fresh blueberry crown.

It now joins our beloved menu of Ton-approved indulgences:

• Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair

• Scandal & Spice: Lady Featherington’s Honeyed Tea Loaf

• The Duke’s Delight: Herbed Quiche with Gruyère & Asparagus

• Courtship Crumbs: Strawberry Scones Worthy of a Proposal

• Whispers in the Garden: Spring Greens with Mango & Avocado

Whether you're curating a grand brunch table or planning a stolen moment with something sweet, let this final dish remind you:
Elegance need not shout—it merely glimmers in the softest, most golden tones.

Yours in cream, compote, and culinary farewell,

Slice of Southern

"Rumor has it that hearts have been claimed with far less than a spoonful of this silken delight. With the tender grace of vanilla and the jeweled allure of blueberry compote, this panna cotta is not merely a dessert—it is a whispered promise of enchantment to come.”

— Lady Whistledown 

Gilded Whispers: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote

In the chandeliered parlors and moonlit gardens of high society, where glances linger longer than they ought and secrets are as sweet as they are scandalous, there are few indulgences more alluring than dessert done properly.

Today, we turn our gaze to a creation that glistens like a whispered promise beneath candlelight: Gilded Whispers, a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta crowned with a jeweled cascade of blueberry compote. Silken and subtle, with the heady perfume of real vanilla and a velvety finish worthy of courtly admiration, this dish is no mere finale—it is a farewell curtsy, dipped in cream and draped in luxury.

Delicate, poised, and positively brimming with romantic potential, this dessert does not clamor for attention. It lingers, it lures, and in doing so, it leaves its mark—on both palate and memory.

Let it shimmer. Let it swoon. And above all, let it be served.

A Toast to Gilded Indulgence

My dear, there comes a moment at every gathering—after the laughter has softened and the last cup of tea has been poured—when a truly lovely dessert brings not only satisfaction but a hush of admiration.

Gilded Whispers, with its silken vanilla bean cream and jewel-toned blueberry compote, is just such a finale. It does not beg for attention; it earns it, quietly and beautifully, like a well-timed compliment or a perfectly written letter.

It is a dessert for lingering glances, for shared smiles, and for those blissful moments when conversation gives way to contentment. Whether served at the garden table beneath trailing wisteria or in the drawing room among dear friends, this panna cotta is not simply a sweet—it is a gentle indulgence, meant to be savored slowly, and remembered fondly.

From the Table of Lady Bridgerton: 

Perfect Pairings for a Proper Finale

Dearest Guest,

When one concludes a gathering of distinction—be it a brunch in the garden or an intimate affair among friends—it is the final note that lingers longest. With Gilded Whispers, a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta crowned in blueberry splendor, we are offered a dessert so delicate, so exquisite, that the rest of the table must rise in kind to meet it.

Might I suggest the following pairings to ensure your finale is nothing short of unforgettable?

Tea Pairing:  A gently perfumed Vanilla Earl Grey or Chamomile with a hint of lavender—both delightfully subtle companions that enhance without overshadowing.

Libation:  A flute of Sparkling Rosé or a refined Elderflower Spritz—for those moments when celebration calls for a graceful sip and just the slightest sparkle.

Musical Accompaniment:  Classical strings with romantic overtures—Mozart’s lighter quartets or a soft violin sonata will set a mood as gentle as the panna cotta itself.

Table Touches:  Consider a linen tablecloth in soft dove grey or pale blush, paired with gold flatware and crystal dessert cups. A small vase of white garden roses or violets will whisper of elegance without shouting for attention.

A well-appointed table, my dear, is not merely for show. It is a gesture—one that says: you are welcome, you are cherished, and you will be remembered.

Warmest regards,
Lady Bridgerton

Lady Whistledown’s Final Word: A Toast to Bridgerton Brunch

As the last crumb is savored and the final sip of tea lingers on the tongue, one must confess — this Bridgerton Brunch has been nothing short of a genteel affair, worthy of the ton’s finest tables and whispered intrigues. From the honeyed warmth of Lady Featherington’s Tea Loaf to the scandalous sweetness of Strawberries & Secrets, each bite has told a story as rich and layered as the society we adore to observe.

A toast, then, to the art of the brunch — where flavors mingle like the most delicate courtship, and every dish offers a flirtation with delight. Whether you’ve danced through these recipes like a debutante at her first ball or simply lingered like a favored guest over tea, know this: the true luxury lies not only in the fare but in the company and the stories shared.

So, dear reader, as you close this chapter of indulgence and refinement, carry forth the spirit of Bridgerton Brunch — a celebration of elegance, warmth, and the irresistible allure of a well-set table.

Until our next rendezvous, may your days be as sparkling as champagne, and your gatherings as unforgettable as a whispered secret.

Yours most sincerely,
Lady Whistledown