Oriental salad

Oriental salad is a dish that evokes pleasant memories and moments of conviviality, making it a perfect choice for festive meals or gatherings with friends. This simple and tasty recipe combines basic ingredients, such as potatoes and olives, with a touch of freshness from onions, resulting in a salad that not only delights the taste buds but also enriches our meals with varied flavors and textures.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients needed for the oriental salad:

- 2 kg of potatoes (choose potatoes that hold up well when boiled, such as yellow-skinned ones)
- 500 g olives (preferably pitted, but if not available, those with pits are just as tasty)
- 2 onions (opt for white or red onions, depending on preference)
- 2 eggs (preferably fresh)
- 200 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil, depending on taste)
- salt to taste
- optional: green onion, for an extra touch of freshness

Step by step, here’s how to prepare the oriental salad:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the potatoes. Cut them into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Place the cut potatoes in a large pot, fill it with cold water, and add a teaspoon of salt. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the potatoes and maintain their texture.

2. Boiling the potatoes and eggs
Add the two whole eggs to the same pot with the potatoes. This allows you to boil the eggs simultaneously, saving time. Let everything boil over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft but not mushy.

3. Mashing the potatoes
Once the potatoes and eggs are boiled, drain the water from the pot and let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl for the salad. Place the potatoes in the bowl and, using a potato masher, mash them gently. If you prefer a less fine texture, you can leave some larger pieces.

4. Slicing the onions and olives
Slice the onion into thin strips (julienne) and the olives into rounds. Add both the onion and olives over the mashed potatoes. It’s time to ensure that the olives are cut evenly for good distribution in the salad.

5. Preparing the mayonnaise
Separately, shell the boiled eggs, keeping only the yolks. Mix the raw yolks with the boiled ones, gradually adding oil while continuously mixing to achieve a creamy mayonnaise. Add salt to taste. If you prefer a lighter mayonnaise, you can add a tablespoon of water or lemon juice.

6. Finalizing the salad
Pour the prepared mayonnaise over the mixture of potatoes, onions, and olives. Gently mix so that the ingredients combine without crushing the potatoes. Add salt to taste and, if desired, a handful of finely chopped green onion for an extra touch of freshness.

7. Serving the salad
Transfer the salad to a platter and garnish with whole olives or slices of green onion. The oriental salad can be served both cold and at room temperature, and pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or as a side dish to meat dishes.

A brief history of oriental salad
Oriental salad is a classic dish in many cultures, popularized due to its simplicity and easily accessible ingredients. Over time, each family has added a personal touch to the recipe, incorporating local ingredients or adapting it according to personal preferences. Thus, oriental salad has become a symbol of hospitality and conviviality.

Useful tips for recipe success
- Choose olives carefully: Olives give the salad a distinct flavor. If possible, opt for green or black olives, depending on preference.
- Control the consistency of the mayonnaise: If you want a less dense mayonnaise, gradually add the oil and check the consistency.
- Add other ingredients: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or cucumbers, to give the salad a crunchy note.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes provide a different flavor and a sweet taste, perfect for an innovative version of the salad.

2. How can I store the salad?
Oriental salad can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 2-3 days. The flavor will intensify as the ingredients blend.

3. Is the salad vegetarian?
Yes, oriental salad is vegetarian, and if you use vegan mayonnaise, it can even become vegan.

Combinations and variations
Oriental salad pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or refreshing lemonade. It can also be served alongside grilled meat dishes or fish. Another idea is to serve it with a creamy vegetable soup for a complete meal.

Nutritional benefits
Oriental salad is rich in complex carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from eggs, and antioxidants from onions and olives. It is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, with a moderate caloric intake, ideal for a balanced diet.

If you want to bring a touch of flavor and tradition to your meals, oriental salad is the perfect choice. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with loved ones! Bon appétit!