Alina's Salad

Alina's Salad - A Delightful Medley of Taste and Colors

This salad was created with love and care, inspired by Alina's childhood memories, who grew up adoring every dish prepared with passion. Now a teenager, Alinutza requested a salad that would delight her, and I decided to combine her favorite ingredients to bring a smile to her face. Alina's Salad is a perfect choice for family meals, parties, or simply to add a touch of freshness on warm days.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 400 g turkey breast
- 1 fresh green lettuce
- 200 g smoked cheese (preferably cow's milk)
- 2 carrots
- 200 g mayonnaise (you can also use sour cream for a lighter version)
- 200 g corn kernels (canned)
- 50 g oil (sunflower or olive)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 100 g sliced olives (pitted)

Nutritional information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Turkey Breast:
Rinse the turkey breast well under cold running water. Cut it into thin strips to ensure even cooking. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the turkey strips. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the turkey is golden and juicy, about 10-15 minutes. It is important not to overcook the meat to avoid dryness.

2. Boiling the Carrots:
Peel the carrots and cut them into rounds or cubes. Boil them in salted water until they become tender but not overcooked; you want them to retain their texture. This will take about 10-12 minutes. After boiling, drain and let them cool.

3. Preparing the Corn:
If using canned corn, drain it well and rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt and preservatives. This will add a sweet and crunchy note to your salad.

4. Assembling the Salad:
Choose a deep platter to assemble the salad. Start by adding a layer of green lettuce, cut into strips or torn into larger pieces. You can use romaine or iceberg lettuce for extra crunch.

5. Layers of Flavor:
Continue with a layer of smoked cheese cut into cubes, followed by a generous layer of mayonnaise (or sour cream, if you prefer). This mix of textures will make every bite a delight! Now add the boiled carrots, another layer of mayonnaise, the turkey strips, and again, mayonnaise. Finally, sprinkle the corn kernels on top for a vibrant look.

6. Decoration:
The final touch is to add the sliced olives on top, which will not only beautify the salad but also add a salty and savory flavor.

7. Serving:
You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to meld the flavors. This salad is perfect alongside garlic toast or even with a serving of baked potatoes for a hearty lunch.

Practical Tips:

- If you want to add a spicy note, you can integrate some finely chopped chili pepper or fresh dill.
- Instead of mayonnaise, you can use a vinaigrette made of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and mustard for a lighter version.
- This salad is very versatile; you can replace the turkey breast with chicken or even canned tuna.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other ingredients?
Of course! This salad can be easily adapted. Replace the smoked cheese with feta or mozzarella for a different version.

2. How long does the salad last?
The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but I recommend consuming it fresh to enjoy the texture of the ingredients.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
A salad like this pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade. You can also opt for iced mint tea for a revitalizing experience.

Alina's Salad is not just a recipe, but a story about the love of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious meals. I hope you enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones!