Beef salad

Captivating Beaufort Salad Recipe with Chicken Breast and Vegetables

Beaufort salad is one of those traditional recipes that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to every festive meal. Over time, this dish has become a symbol of joy, being a staple on festive tables, especially during Christmas and New Year. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply want to indulge yourself, this salad will delight your taste buds and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast
- 1 kg potatoes
- 4 carrots
- 1 jar (approximately 400 g) pickled cucumbers
- 1 jar (approximately 400 g) pickled bell peppers
- 1 small celery
- 200 g peas (preferably canned and cooked)
- For mayonnaise:
- 5 raw egg yolks
- 3 cooked egg yolks
- 400 ml oil
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch of salt

Preparing the Beaufort Salad:

Step 1: Boiling the Ingredients
In a large pot, add the cleaned and washed chicken breast along with a teaspoon of salt. Cover with water and put on medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meat is well cooked. Add the peeled and halved carrots, as well as the whole celery, to enhance the flavor. After 10 minutes, add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Let everything boil until all ingredients are tender, then remove them from the pot and let them cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Peas
In a small saucepan, bring a little water to a boil and add the canned peas. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, then drain and let cool. This step is essential to maintain the crunchy texture of the peas.

Step 3: Chopping the Ingredients
Once the vegetables and chicken breast have cooled, chop them into equal-sized cubes. This not only looks good but also helps with an even distribution of flavors in the salad.

Step 4: Preparing the Mayonnaise
In a bowl, mash the cooked egg yolks with a wooden spoon until they become a fine paste. Add the raw egg yolks and mix well. Start adding the oil gradually in a thin stream, mixing constantly in one direction. This is the secret to perfect mayonnaise! After incorporating all the oil, add the mustard, lemon juice, and salt. If the mayonnaise curdles, don't panic! You can add a splash of oil or a little mustard to fix it.

Step 5: Assembling the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast, cooked vegetables (without celery), peas, and drained pickles (cucumbers and bell peppers). Add the prepared mayonnaise and gently mix to avoid crushing the ingredients. Taste and adjust the salt to your preference.

Step 6: Garnishing
Now comes the creative part! Use your imagination to garnish the salad. You can use fresh parsley, thin slices of carrot, or even olives for an elegant look. You can serve the salad on a beautiful platter or in individual bowls.

Serving Suggestions:
The Beaufort salad pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or salty crackers. You can also accompany it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail that will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the salad.

Useful Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are well chilled before assembling to maintain the salad's freshness.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can include olives or diced avocado.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breast with tofu or add more fresh vegetables like peppers or zucchini.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
- Absolutely! Turkey meat offers a similar taste and is a wonderful option.

2. How can I store the Beaufort salad?
- The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It is recommended to add the mayonnaise before serving to avoid soggy ingredients.

3. Can I replace the mayonnaise?
- Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version of the salad.

4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
- For a vegan version, replace the chicken breast with vegetables and use vegan mayonnaise.

Conclusion:
The Beaufort salad is not just a delicious dish, but also an excellent way to gather family and friends around the table. Every bite will transport you to a world full of flavors and traditions. Dare to make it and enjoy the moments spent with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!