---
title: "Chilean Coligüe Shoot Salad — Native Bamboo Ensalada de Coligüe Recipe"
description: "Versión en Español. Chilean coligüe shoot salad, or ensalada de brotes de coligüe, is tender shoots of native Chilean bamboo, peeled and boiled until soft, sliced, and tossed with cherry tomatoes, oli..."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-coligue-bamboo-shoot-salad-recipe/
date: 2026-10-05
modified: 2026-10-05
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chilean-coligue-bamboo-shoot-salad-featured.jpg
categories: ["Salads"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Chilean Coligüe Shoot Salad — Native Bamboo Ensalada de Coligüe Recipe

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-ensalada-de-brotes-de-coligue/)

![Chilean coligüe bamboo shoot salad with cherry tomatoes, olives, and spinach](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chilean-coligue-bamboo-shoot-salad-featured.jpg)*Coligüe shoot salad*

Chilean coligüe shoot salad, or ensalada de brotes de coligüe, is tender shoots of native Chilean bamboo, peeled and boiled until soft, sliced, and tossed with cherry tomatoes, olives, and spinach in a balsamic vinaigrette, finished with pea shoots and seeds. It takes 20 minutes of preparation and about 30 minutes of cooking, and serves 6.

Coligüe is a native bamboo of southern Chile once considered a pest in the forests, and its shoots, called coyochos, are a delicate local alternative to hearts of palm.

## How to Make Coligüe Shoot Salad?

Recently, coligüe shoots have been rediscovered for preserves and salads that can replace hearts of palm. The shoots are peeled, trimmed, and boiled for about 30 minutes, sliced, and combined with the vegetables and a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt.

## Nutritional Information

Each serving of coligüe shoot salad contains approximately 180 kcal, 3 g of protein, 12 g of fat, 14 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of sugars, 5 g of fiber, and 350 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

## Homemade Chilean Coligüe Shoot Salad Recipe

**Preparation:** 20 minutes
**Cooking:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 6

### Ingredients

- 10 coligüe shoots
- 6 cherry tomatoes
- 150 g of olives
- 1 cup of spinach leaves
- Pea shoots
- Mixed seeds
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Sea salt

### Instructions

1. Peel the coligüe shoots, trim the hard tips, and wash them in cold water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the shoots, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until soft and tender. Slice into 1 cm rounds and set aside.

![Fresh coligüe bamboo shoots from southern Chile](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/coligue-bamboo-shoots-chile.jpg)*Coligüe Shoots*

1. Quarter the cherry tomatoes, cut the olives into wedges, and wash and dry the spinach. In a jar with a lid, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt to taste and mix well.

![Olives for Chilean coligüe shoot salad](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/olives-coligue-salad.jpg)*Olives*

1. In a salad bowl, combine the coligüe shoots, tomatoes, spinach, and olives, add the dressing to taste, and adjust the seasoning. Serve right away, garnished with pea shoots and seeds.

## Additional Tips

### Taste after dressing

The flavor of the shoots varies, so taste after adding the dressing and adjust with more salt or vinegar.

### Cook until tender

Boil the shoots until a knife slides in easily. Undercooked shoots are fibrous and slightly bitter.

### Use preserved shoots

Jarred coligüe shoots are increasingly available and can be used straight from the jar, rinsed and sliced.

| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Coligüe shoots | Hearts of palm | 1:1 | Easier to find |
| Spinach | Arugula | 1 cup | Peppery |
| Balsamic vinegar | Lemon juice | 1:1 | Fresher |
| Olives | Capers | 2 tablespoons | Saltier, briny |

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### 1. How do I make the dressing?

Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt to taste in a jar with a lid until well combined.

### 2. How do I prepare the shoots before cooking?

Peel them, trim the hard tips, and wash them in cold water before boiling.

### 3. How long should I cook the shoots?

About 30 minutes in boiling water, or until soft and tender.

### 4. Why is this salad special?

Using coligüe shoots in cooking is part of a rediscovery of this native plant, long considered a pest in the forests of southern Chile.

## What Is Coligüe?

Coligüe, Chusquea culeou, is a native bamboo of the forests of central and southern Chile and Argentina. Its tender spring shoots are edible, while its strong canes are used in crafts, fences, and furniture.

## Coligüe Crafts

Mapuche and country artisans weave baskets, chairs, and decorative pieces from coligüe canes, a craft tradition that is still alive in southern Chile.

## Did You Know?

The word colihue comes from Mapudungun, and the plant is sacred to the Mapuche, who use its canes to make the trutruca, a long traditional wind instrument.

## Recommended

- [Chilean Ulte Seaweed Salad Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-ulte-seaweed-salad-recipe/)
- [Chilean Digüeñes Ceviche Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-diguenes-wild-mushroom-ceviche-recipe/)
- [Chilean Nalca and Digüeñes Salad Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-nalca-and-diguenes-salad-recipe/)
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