Maxi salad like at McDonald's

Maxi Salad like at McDonald's - A Delicacy at Home

Do you want to recreate that delicious salad you enjoy at fast food, but with a healthy and homemade twist? Then the recipe for Maxi Salad like at McDonald's is perfect for you! This salad combines a variety of fresh, crunchy, and tasty ingredients, making it ideal for a light lunch or a delicious dinner. Let's venture into preparing this delightful recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the salad:
- 3 small carrots
- 1 head of lettuce (preferably Iceberg for crunch)
- 1 cabbage (can be red or white, depending on preference)
- 100 g cheese (choose a good quality cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g pressed ham (you can also use turkey ham for a leaner option)
- 3 slices of older bread (older bread is ideal as it will dry better)
- Olive oil (for drizzling the croutons)

For the dressing:
- 1 1/2 yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 2 teaspoons mustard (Dijon mustard adds a subtle note)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (you can opt for a light version)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (balsamic vinegar is an excellent choice)
- 2 teaspoons Maggi sauce (optional, but will enhance the flavors)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the croutons
1. Start by cutting the slices of bread into small cubes, about 1-2 cm. These will become crispy and delicious croutons.
2. Place the bread cubes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring each cube is evenly coated. This step will help achieve a crispy texture.
4. Preheat the oven to 150°C and let the croutons dry for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally for even browning.

Step 2: Preparing the ingredients
5. While the croutons are drying, peel the carrots and grate them using a fine grater for a smooth texture.
6. Wash the lettuce and cabbage, then drain them well. Cut the lettuce into thin strips and the cabbage into thin slices.
7. Cut the ham into julienne strips and grate the cheese using a coarse grater. These ingredients will add extra flavor to your salad.

Step 3: Assembling the salad
8. Once the croutons have cooled, in a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: grated carrots, lettuce, cabbage, ham, and cheese. Gently mix to avoid crushing the ingredients.

Step 4: Preparing the dressing
9. In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, vinegar, and Maggi sauce (if you choose to use it). Mix well until you obtain a creamy and smooth dressing.
10. It is important to keep the dressing separate from the salad so that the ingredients do not become soggy before serving.

Serving and variations

When serving, you can add the dressing over the salad, mixing gently to distribute it evenly. A personal suggestion would be to add some sunflower seeds or nuts for an extra crunch. You can also replace the ham with boiled chicken or turkey for a lighter salad option.

This Maxi Salad is perfect to be served alongside a refreshing drink, such as iced mint tea or natural fruit juice. It is a versatile recipe, ideal for a summer lunch or a light dinner!

Nutritional benefits

This salad provides high nutritional value due to its varied ingredients. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is beneficial for vision. Lettuce and cabbage provide fiber, aiding digestion, while cheese and ham add essential proteins. The yogurt dressing is a healthier option compared to traditional mayonnaise, being rich in probiotics, beneficial for gut health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Yes, you can experiment with ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes to add even more colors and flavors.

2. How can I store the salad?
It is recommended to keep the salad and dressing separate so that the ingredients remain fresh. You can store the salad in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

3. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by eliminating the ham and cheese and replacing the dressing with an olive oil and vinegar-based dressing.

4. How many calories does this salad have?
One serving of Maxi Salad has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of dressing used and the type of ingredients added.

Final notes

The Maxi Salad recipe is an excellent choice for those looking for a tasty and healthy dish. With a combination of fresh ingredients and a delicious dressing, this salad is sure to become your favorite! Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, every bite will be an explosion of flavors and textures. Make it at home and enjoy the good taste of lovingly prepared food!

 Ingredients: 3 small carrots, 1 handful of green lettuce (preferably iceberg), 1 handful of cabbage (red or white), 100g cheese, 100g pressed ham, 3 slices of older bread, olive oil. Dressing: 1 1/2 yogurt, 2 teaspoons mustard, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, salt, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 2 teaspoons Maggi sauce (optional)