A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Serenata de Bacalao is a rustic salad of salt cod, boiled yuca, potatoes and green bananas, dressed in olive oil and vinegar and crowned with avocado, hard-boiled eggs and olives. Its name means ‘codfish serenade’, a nod to the dish’s humble, romantic roots. Served warm or at room temperature, it is a beloved lenten and beach-day meal.
Serenata de Bacalao
A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Serenata de Bacalao is a rustic salad of salt cod, boiled yuca, potatoes and green bananas, dressed in olive oil and vinegar and crowned with avocado, hard-boiled eggs and olives.

Step by stepInstructions
- Desalt the cod by soaking in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times; then simmer it in fresh water for 15 minutes. Drain, cool, and flake into large pieces.
- Boil the yuca, potatoes and green bananas separately in salted water until tender, 15 to 25 minutes each; drain.
- In a skillet, warm half the olive oil and sauté the onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft, then add the flaked cod and tomatoes and cook 5 minutes more.
- On a large serving platter, layer the root vegetables with the cod mixture, then dress with the remaining olive oil and the vinegar.
- Garnish with the eggs, olives, avocado and cilantro, and serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Taste the cod before adding salt; even well-desalted bacalao can be salty. Serve with tostones or crusty bread to complete the meal.

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