Onion basket with beef salad

Green onion bread with beef salad – A recipe full of flavor and creativity

When it comes to dishes that blend culinary tradition with a touch of innovation, green onion bread with beef salad is certainly a choice worth considering. This recipe not only looks spectacular, but its taste is an explosion of flavors that will delight any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family lunch.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

A brief introduction to the history of beef salad

Beef salad is an iconic dish that has gained popularity over time in many culinary cultures. Although recipes vary from region to region, its essence remains constant: a delicious combination of meat, vegetables, and mayonnaise, usually served at festive events. This recipe aims to pay tribute to tradition while adding a creative touch through its unique presentation in bread baskets.

Ingredients

For the salad:
- 1/2 chicken breast (approximately 250 g)
- 1 medium potato
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 2-3 pickles
- 3-4 tablespoons of mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the basket:
- 1 thick slice of bread (ideally homemade for flavor)
- A few sticks (or breadsticks, if you prefer)
- Green onion stalks (for decoration and flavor)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the meat and vegetables
1. Boil the meat: Place the chicken breast in a pot with cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. Boil over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes or until well cooked. Make sure not to overcook it, as it will become dry.
2. Boil the vegetables: Once the chicken breast is nearly done, add the potato, carrots, and parsley, all peeled and cut into large pieces. Continue boiling everything for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 2: Preparing the salad
3. Cool the ingredients: Remove the meat and vegetables from the water and let them cool. Once cooled, cut the meat and vegetables into small cubes.
4. Add the pickles: Cut the pickles into cubes similar in size to the meat and vegetables.
5. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the meat, vegetables, and pickles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Preparing the mayonnaise
6. Make the mayonnaise: Use a hard-boiled egg, a tablespoon of mustard, the juice from 1/2 lemon, and oil. Mix well until you achieve a creamy consistency, then add the mayonnaise to the salad mixture and gently combine everything.

Step 4: Creating the basket
7. Cut the bread: Use a round mold to cut the slice of bread, so you get the base of the basket. The prettier the shape, the more attractive the final dish will be.
8. Prepare the sticks: Insert a few sticks around the edge of the basket at equal distances. These will support the "wall" of green onion.
9. Add the onion: Wrap the green onion stalks between the sticks, alternating the order, until you reach the desired height. Make sure the onion stalks are as long as possible for an elegant look.

Serving

For an extra touch of refinement, you can decorate the basket with a few fresh parsley leaves or thin slices of tomatoes. This dish is ideal for serving at a festive meal or as an appetizer during an evening with friends. You can accompany the basket with a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of meat and vegetables.

Useful tips
- Variations: You can replace the chicken breast with turkey or even canned tuna for a quicker option.
- Mayonnaise: If you don't have time to make mayonnaise, you can use store-bought mayonnaise, but make sure it is of good quality.
- Bread: Use bread with a crispy crust to achieve a sturdier basket.
- Vegetables: You can also add peas or boiled corn for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Frequently asked questions
- Why should I use green onion for decoration?: Green onion not only adds an attractive look but also a delicate flavor that perfectly complements the beef salad.
- Can I make the beef salad a few days in advance?: Yes, beef salad can be prepared 1-2 days before serving, making it perfect for meal planning.
- What can I do with leftover basket pieces?: If you have leftover bread pieces, you can turn them into croutons for soups or salads.

Nutritional benefits
- Chicken meat is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle development.
- Vegetables provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Green onion is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthy ingredient that improves digestion.

Conclusion
Green onion bread with beef salad is not just a recipe but a culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. Preparing it can be a pleasant activity that brings you together with loved ones, and the final result will surely be appreciated. Don’t forget to leave your personal touch on the recipe by adding ingredients you like or experimenting with different combinations. This way, every meal becomes a special occasion, full of joy and flavor!