Beef Salad

Delicious Beef Salad Recipe

Beef Salad is a classic dish, full of flavor and an excellent choice for festive meals, as well as for a comforting dinner. This salad is a true delight for the taste buds, combining meat, vegetables, and mayonnaise in perfect harmony. Its roots lie in rich culinary traditions, symbolizing hospitality and the joy of sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. Let’s discover together, step by step, how to prepare a perfect Beef Salad!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (30 minutes for chicken)
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 6 red potatoes
- 3 carrots
- 200 g pork shoulder
- 100 g chicken meat
- 5 pickles
- 400 g mayonnaise (for mayonnaise: 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon mustard, oil)
- salt (to taste)
For decoration:
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- egg whites left from the yolks used for mayonnaise
- sour cream
- 1 slice of cucumber
- 1 slice of tomato
- green onion
- pepper (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Boiling the vegetables: Start by washing the potatoes and carrots well. Place them in a large pot with salted water and boil for 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as the vegetables should be cooked but not overdone, to maintain their crunchy texture. Once boiled, drain them and place them under cold running water to cool quickly.

2. Boiling the meat: Meanwhile, in the same pot, add the pork and chicken to boil. Let them cook for about 1 hour, and after 30 minutes, you can remove the chicken. It will cook faster and you don’t want it to dry out. When ready, drain the meat and let it cool.

3. Preparing the ingredients: Once the vegetables and meat have cooled, cut the potatoes and carrots into small cubes. The pork and chicken should also be cut into small pieces, so they integrate perfectly into the salad.

4. Preparing the pickles: Grate the pickles and squeeze them well to remove excess liquid. They add a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salad.

5. Making the mayonnaise: In a bowl, whisk the 2 egg yolks with a bit of mustard. Gradually add oil, stirring constantly, until you achieve a creamy mayonnaise. Add salt to taste and adjust the texture with oil according to your preferences.

6. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the boiled vegetables, chopped meat, and pickles. Add the prepared mayonnaise and gently mix so that all ingredients combine evenly. Taste the mixture and add extra salt if necessary.

7. Preparing for serving: You can fry the leftover egg whites in a pan with a bit of oil until golden. Once cooled, cut them into strips. Fill the yellow bell pepper with the prepared salad and cut it into slices for an attractive presentation.

8. Plating: Arrange the slices of bell pepper and salad on a plate. Decorate with sour cream, a slice of cucumber, a slice of tomato, and sprinkle finely chopped green onion. Add a bit of freshly ground pepper for an extra flavor boost.

9. Serving: Beef Salad is delicious served cold, alongside a slice of fresh bread or even as a filling in a sandwich. You can pair it with a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade to complete the meal.

Practical tips:
- Choose red potatoes, as they have a better texture and hold up well during boiling.
- If you want to make a variation, you can add peas or olives, which will bring a different flavor and a splash of color.
- You can replace pork with turkey or beef, depending on your dietary preferences.
- Make sure the vegetables are completely cooled before combining them with the mayonnaise to prevent it from melting.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Answer: While it’s preferable to use fresh vegetables, you can use frozen ones. Make sure to boil them for less time, as they are already partially cooked.

2. How long can Beef Salad be kept in the fridge?
Answer: Beef Salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap.

3. Is it possible to make mayonnaise without eggs?
Answer: Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise or avocado mayonnaise as an egg-free alternative.

Nutrition:
A serving of Beef Salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is a good source of protein due to the meat, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.

Now that you have the complete recipe, you are ready to impress with this delicious Beef Salad! By experimenting with ingredients and adding your personal touches, you can transform this classic dish into a true feast for all your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!