Oriental Salad

Oriental salad with potatoes and homemade mayonnaise

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a fresh and tasty salad that brings a touch of summer to the plate? The oriental salad with potatoes is a classic recipe, appreciated for its delicious combination of ingredients and its versatility. This salad can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course for a light meal.

Throughout its history, the oriental salad has evolved, taking influences from various culinary cultures. It is an excellent choice for festive meals or for a picnic outdoors, being easy to prepare and full of flavor. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 5-6 large potatoes (about 1 kg)
- 1 onion
- 2 green onions
- 1 fresh cucumber
- 1 pickled cucumber
- 2-3 eggs
- 1 red bell pepper
- A handful of olives (preferably black for color contrast)
- 2-3 tablespoons of mustard
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 100 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil, according to preference)
- A few sprigs of fresh dill
- Salt, to taste

Preparation steps

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

1. Boil the eggs: In a pot, add the eggs and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and then boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes to get hard-boiled eggs. Once boiled, place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel the eggs and separate the yolks from the whites.
2. Boil the potatoes: Wash the potatoes well, then boil them with the skin on in salted water for 20-25 minutes until they are soft but not mushy. After boiling, let them cool, then peel and cut them into cubes.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the onion (both the dry and green ones) into thin slices, the bell pepper into small cubes, and the fresh and pickled cucumbers into rounds or cubes, depending on preference.

Step 2: Prepare the mayonnaise

1. Homemade mayonnaise: In a bowl, mash the boiled yolks with a fork. Add the mustard and gradually add the oil, mixing constantly to achieve a creamy consistency. Add the vinegar and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. If you don't have time or don't want to make mayonnaise, you can use a store-bought version, but it won't have the same fresh taste.

Step 3: Assemble the salad

1. Combine the ingredients: In a baking dish or bowl, add the chopped egg whites, potato cubes, onion, fresh and pickled cucumber, bell pepper, and olives. Gently mix to avoid mashing the potatoes.
2. Add the mayonnaise: Pour the mayonnaise over the vegetable and egg white mixture. Gently mix until all the ingredients are well coated with mayonnaise.
3. Finishing touches: Sprinkle the finely chopped dill on top and mix gently. You can adjust the taste with salt and, if desired, add a drop of vinegar for a tangier flavor.

Serving

The oriental salad is served cold, making it ideal to prepare a few hours before serving so that the flavors can blend. It can be accompanied by fresh bread or even a portion of grilled fish for a heartier lunch. Another suggestion is to serve it alongside a glass of yogurt with mint, which will add a refreshing touch.

Practical tips

- Choosing potatoes: Opt for low-starch potatoes, such as red or new varieties, which hold their shape better after boiling.
- Lighter mayonnaise: If you want a lighter version, you can replace some of the oil with Greek yogurt, resulting in a lower-calorie mayonnaise.
- Delicious additions: You can experiment with adding extra ingredients, such as boiled corn or even a few cubes of feta cheese for added flavor.

Nutritional information

This salad is a healthy choice, rich in protein due to the eggs and fresh vegetables. On average, a serving has about 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and mayonnaise used. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, providing a healthy balance of nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Yes, you can add boiled carrots or peas for a different texture and a pop of color.

2. What drinks can accompany this salad?
A refreshing lemonade or a glass of dry white wine are excellent choices to complement the meal.

3. How can I store the salad?
The salad keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. The flavor will intensify over time.

The oriental salad with potatoes is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, quickly becoming a favorite recipe in any household. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 5-6 larger potatoes, 1 dried onion and 2 green onion stalks, 1 fresh cucumber and 1 pickled cucumber, 2-3 eggs, 1 red bell pepper, a handful of olives, 2-3 tablespoons of mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 100 ml of oil, a few sprigs of dill, a little salt.

 Tags:  oriental salad potatoes onion pepper olives