potato salad with ham and pickled cucumbers

Potato salad with ham and pickles - a quick and delicious recipe

If you're looking for a salad recipe that combines the flavor of a hearty dish with the freshness of ingredients, then potato salad with ham and pickles is the perfect choice. This simple and quick recipe is not only ideal for everyday meals but also suits special occasions, bringing a touch of flavor to your table.

The history of this salad is fascinating. Its origins lie in the culinary traditions of several cultures, where potato dishes have been appreciated for their versatility. In various forms, potato salad has been prepared by generations, bringing together simple but flavorful ingredients.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg potatoes
- Salt (to taste)
- 150 g ham (preferably smoked for extra flavor)
- 5-6 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
- 2 pickles (you can also use fresh cucumbers, but pickles add a distinct taste)
- 100 g green olives with tuna
- 50 g black olives
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by cleaning the potatoes of impurities, keeping the skin on to retain their texture. Place them in a large pot with cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. Boil for 25-30 minutes until they are soft but not falling apart. Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are done.

2. Cooling the potatoes: After boiling, remove the potatoes from the water and cool them under a cold running tap. This step is essential to stop the cooking process and to peel them easily. Once completely cooled, peel and cut them into cubes of about 1-2 cm.

3. Preparing the mayonnaise: If you choose to make mayonnaise at home, you will need one egg, 300 ml of oil, and a teaspoon of mustard. In a bowl, add the egg and mustard, then, using a mixer, gradually incorporate the oil until you achieve a thick mayonnaise. You can also add a little lemon juice for a fresher taste.

4. Preparing the ingredients: Cut the ham into small cubes and the pickles into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference. It’s important for the ingredients to be cut evenly so they mix better in the salad.

5. Mixing the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled potato cubes, ham, pickles, and green olives with tuna. Add the mayonnaise and gently mix, ensuring the ingredients are combined without mashing the potatoes.

6. Garnishing the salad: Transfer the salad to a serving platter and decorate with black olives and fresh parsley leaves. This will not only add a colorful appearance but also a fresh note of flavor.

7. Serving: Potato salad with ham and pickles can be served as a main dish or as a side with grilled meats or at a picnic. It pairs excellently with a refreshing lemonade or a well-chilled white wine.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add a personal touch, you can incorporate some Kalamata olives for a more intense flavor or a bit of finely chopped red onion for a contrast of textures.
- You can replace the ham with boiled chicken breast for a healthier option or with tofu for a vegetarian choice.
- Mayonnaise can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter and less caloric version.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
Yes, if you have leftover potatoes from a previous meal, you can use them, but make sure they are well cooled before adding them to the salad.

2. How can I store the salad?
Potato salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have melded.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by omitting the mayonnaise or using a vegan alternative, ensuring that the ham is replaced with a plant-based ingredient.

Nutritional benefits:
Potato salad is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy, while the ham adds essential proteins. Pickles contribute probiotics, beneficial for the digestive system. It’s a balanced recipe that can be part of a healthy diet as long as it’s consumed in moderation.

This potato salad with ham and pickles is a combination of flavors and textures that won’t disappoint. I encourage you to try it and personalize the recipe to your liking. Cooking is an art, and each recipe can become a colorful and flavorful painting, so enjoy every step of the process!