Oriental Potato Salad

Potato salad with vegetables and mayonnaise - a delicious and comforting treat

When it comes to salads, potato salad is at the top of many people's lists. This simple and delicious recipe reminds us of warm summer days, family meals, and moments when we enjoy flavorful dishes. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a light main course. Today, I will guide you step by step in making this aromatic salad, full of colors and textures.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
- 6-7 medium-sized potatoes
- 3 hard-boiled eggs
- 4 green onion stalks
- 1 small white onion
- A few black olives
- 2 pickled cucumbers
- 1 small bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Mayonnaise (made from one raw egg, one raw yolk, salt, pepper, mustard, and oil)
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation of potato salad:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water to remove impurities from the skin. Place them in a large pot, add enough water to cover them completely, and add a teaspoon of salt. Boil the potatoes until they are soft, about 20-25 minutes, depending on their size. If you want to speed up the process, you can use a pressure cooker, where the potatoes will be ready in about 15 minutes from the moment the water starts to boil.

2. Cooling and peeling the potatoes: Once the potatoes are boiled, take them out of the pot and let them cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to peel them, then cut them into cubes about 1-2 cm.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Now slice the white onion into thin strips and the green onions into rings. Remove the pits from the black olives and cut them into slices, and dice the pickled cucumbers and bell pepper into small cubes. The hard-boiled eggs are sliced thinly.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the potato cubes, the sliced vegetables, olives, and egg slices. Gently mix to avoid breaking the potatoes. Add salt, pepper, mustard, and the previously prepared mayonnaise. Here’s a little trick: to get perfect mayonnaise, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature and use a mixer to emulsify the oil gradually, adding it in a thin stream.

5. Seasoning: Drizzle the mixture with lemon juice, which will add a fresh note and prevent the potatoes from oxidizing. Mix again carefully to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

6. Cooling and serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This resting time will allow the flavors to meld, and the salad will develop a richer taste. Serve the salad cold, alongside slices of fresh bread or as a side dish to meat dishes.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as boiled carrots or peas, to vary the texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter salad, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but I recommend adding the mayonnaise a day before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too wet.
- An excellent serving idea is to use green lettuce leaves as a base, on which to place the potato salad, bringing a contrast of colors and a crunchy note.

Nutritional benefits:
Potato salad is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Potatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while eggs are an excellent source of protein. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, and olives are rich in antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more interesting version of the salad.

2. How can I make the mayonnaise lighter?
You can replace some of the oil with yogurt for a lighter and healthier version.

3. What other spices can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding a bit of fresh or dried dill for a distinct and fresh flavor.

This potato salad with vegetables and mayonnaise is not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring family and friends together at the table. With every bite, you will feel the nostalgia of childhood and the joy of sharing special moments. Enjoy every serving and don’t hesitate to personalize your recipe by adding your favorite ingredients!