Potato salad with mayonnaise

Potato salad with mayonnaise – Comfort food at hand

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 2

When it comes to potato salad with mayonnaise, we certainly think of a dish that brings a touch of comfort to the plate. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a light lunch, with a rich taste and creamy texture that will delight your loved ones.

A bit of history: Potato salad is a versatile and popular dish in many cultures, often served as a side dish or even as an appetizer. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, having been adapted over the years with various ingredients, but the essence remains the same: boiled potatoes mixed with various ingredients, seasoned with mayonnaise.

Ingredients for two servings:
- 4 large potatoes (approximately 600 g)
- 100 g ham (one large slice)
- 1/2 cucumber (approximately 75 g)
- 1 small onion (preferably shallots)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- a bunch of fresh herbs (parsley or dill)
- 1 large tablespoon of mayonnaise (approximately 30 g)

Preparing the ingredients:
1. Potatoes: Choose large, uniform potatoes. It is ideal to use potatoes that are suitable for boiling, such as red or yellow potatoes, which hold their shape. Peel them, then cut them into cubes of about 2 cm for even cooking.
2. Ham: Use quality ham, preferably smoked or with a stronger flavor, which will add extra taste to the salad. Cut it into small cubes so that it integrates perfectly with the other ingredients.
3. Cucumber: Choose a fresh cucumber with thin skin for better taste. Cut it into cubes similar to those of the potatoes.
4. Onion: Shallots have a milder and sweeter taste, perfect for this salad, but you can also use white or red onion, depending on your preference.

Preparing the salad:
1. Boiling the potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a pot with cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Let them boil for 15-20 minutes until they are soft but not falling apart. Check with a fork – if it goes in easily, they are ready. Drain them and let them cool.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, ham, cucumber, and onion. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the ingredients to avoid crushing the potatoes.
3. Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste. Here I encourage you to taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
4. Adding mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise and mix carefully to incorporate it evenly without making the salad too runny. If you want a creamier salad, you can add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise.
5. Herbs: Finely chop the chosen herbs and add them to the salad. This will provide an extra freshness and wonderful flavor.

Serving:
For an attractive appearance, arrange the salad on a large platter. A creative idea is to decorate the salad with thin slices of radish, forming a flower, and sprinkle some dried dill on top. This will not only enhance the appearance but also add a special aroma to the salad.

Practical tips:
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, providing that creamy texture but with fewer calories.
- You can also add olives or corn to diversify the salad. An interesting variation is to include hard-boiled eggs, which will add an extra source of protein.
- This potato salad pairs perfectly with grilled steak or fish but can also be served as a side for various dishes.

Nutritional benefits:
Potato salad with mayonnaise provides carbohydrates from potatoes, which are a vital source of energy, and protein from ham. The herbs add essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. However, considering the ingredients, it is best to consume in moderation, especially if you are mindful of caloric intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes will add a different taste and sweetness, but you need to check the boiling time since they cook faster.

2. How can I keep the potato salad fresh?
It is recommended to store it in an airtight container and consume it within 2-3 days. Reheating the salad is not recommended as the texture of the potatoes will change.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
A fresh lemonade or a light white wine would perfectly complement meals with potato salad.

This potato salad with mayonnaise is not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring a familiar and comforting taste to your table. Experiment with the ingredients, customize the recipe, and make it your specialty! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: for 2 people: 4 large potatoes, a large slice of ham, half a cucumber chopped into pieces, a small onion (I used shallots) sliced, salt, pepper, herbs, a large spoon of mayonnaise

 Tags:  potatoes ham cucumbers mayonnaise salad