Quail Egg Salad

Quail Egg Salad – a refined and savory recipe, perfect for festive meals or as an elegant appetizer for any occasion. This salad is not only a visual feast but also a delight for the taste buds, combining crunchy textures with intense flavors. In the following, I will guide you step by step in preparing a quail egg salad that is sure to impress family and friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1/4 white cabbage
- 2 large carrots
- 2 pieces of chicken breast (approximately 300 g)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 fresh cucumber
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 200 g cheese
- 10 quail eggs
- lemon juice
- salt, to taste

Necessary utensils:
- Grater
- Knife
- Salad bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Serving platter
- Pot for boiling

History of Quail Egg Salad
This recipe is a combination of culinary traditions, with deep roots in gastronomy. Quail eggs have been appreciated since ancient times for their delicate taste and fine consistency. They are rich in nutrients and are considered to have superior nutritional value compared to chicken eggs. Quail egg salad has evolved over the years, becoming a popular dish in various cultures, each adding its own personal touch.

Preparing the Salad

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
1. Boil the chicken breast: Place the chicken breast in a pot of water, add a pinch of salt, and boil for about 15-20 minutes until the meat is fully cooked. Then, remove it from the water and let it cool. A healthy alternative is to steam the chicken breast to retain its juiciness.

2. Boil the quail eggs: In another pot, place the quail eggs to boil. Bring the water to a boil and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes. After that, place them in cold water to stop the cooking process. This trick will make the shells peel off more easily.

3. Prepare the vegetables: Cut the white cabbage into thin strips. Grate the carrots on a large grater. These vegetables not only add crunch but also a fresh note to the salad. Make sure the cabbage is well washed and drained.

Step 2: Assembling the Salad
1. Cabbage layer: On a large platter, place an even layer of finely chopped cabbage. Sprinkle a little salt and drizzle with lemon juice, which will add a note of freshness and reduce the bitter taste of the cabbage.

2. Carrot layer: Add a layer of grated carrot on top of the cabbage, seasoned with salt and lemon juice. The carrot will add not only color but also sweetness to the salad.

3. Preparing the chicken mixture: Cut the cooled chicken breast into very small cubes. In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with mayonnaise, crushed garlic, and grated cucumber. This combination will add creaminess and a distinct flavor to the salad.

4. Chicken layer: Place the chicken mixture over the carrot layer and level it with a spatula to achieve a smooth surface.

5. Garnish with cheese: Grate cheese over the chicken mixture. This will add a delicious taste and a rich texture.

6. Garnish with quail eggs: Cut the boiled quail eggs in half and arrange them around the edge of the salad for an elegant and attractive appearance.

Step 3: Serving
The quail egg salad is served immediately but can also be left to chill for about 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. It is ideal as an appetizer and can be accompanied by a refreshing drink, such as a citrus cocktail or a glass of dry white wine.

Practical Tips
- Mayonnaise: If you want to avoid store-bought mayonnaise, you can make it at home. Use an egg yolk, mustard, and oil for a fresh mayonnaise without preservatives.
- Variations: You can experiment with additions like olives, corn, or even avocado to create a unique salad. Each new ingredient will bring a different flavor and transform the classic recipe.
- Presentation: Use a plating ring to create interesting shapes with the salad on the platter. An attractive presentation will capture the attention of guests.

Nutritional Information
A serving of this salad contains approximately 300 calories, being rich in protein due to the chicken breast and quail eggs. Additionally, the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals to the diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace chicken breast with another type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey meat or even boiled fish, depending on your preferences.
2. How can I make the salad spicier? Add a pinch of chili powder or chili sauce to the mayonnaise for an extra flavor kick.
3. How can I store the salad? The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 2 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

Enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious quail egg salad! It will surely become a favorite among your loved ones.