Beef salad

Boeuf Salad - A Delicacy for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Boeuf salad is a classic dish, rich in flavor and color, that has won the hearts of many families and parties. This recipe has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of hospitality and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. So, let's discover together how to prepare this delicious salad, learning each step of the process.

Ingredients

- 1 kg of potatoes
- 500 g of carrots
- 1 chicken breast
- 250 g of peas (canned or frozen)
- 200 g of pickles (cucumbers and bell peppers)
- 200 g of homemade mayonnaise (or store-bought, but we recommend homemade for an authentic taste)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: olives, bell peppers for decoration

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Vegetables and Chicken Breast
Start by peeling the vegetables. Wash the potatoes and carrots well under cold running water. Then, cut the potatoes into large cubes to cook evenly. Do the same with the carrots, but make sure to cut them into smaller pieces.
Put water in a large pot, add a teaspoon of salt, and bring the water to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the potatoes and carrots. Boil them for about 20-25 minutes or until they become soft, but not so much that they fall apart.
In another pot, add the chicken breast and boil it for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked. You can also add some spices to the water, such as bay leaves or pepper, to enhance the flavor of the meat.
After the vegetables and meat are boiled, drain them and let them cool.

2. Chopping the Ingredients
Once the vegetables and chicken breast are cool, cut the potatoes, carrots, and chicken breast into small cubes. It's important that all ingredients are of similar sizes to achieve a uniform and aesthetic salad.
Add the peas (if using canned peas, drain them well) and finely chopped pickles. This step adds a crunchy note and a slightly tangy taste, perfect for balancing the creaminess of the mayonnaise.

3. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the chopped ingredients. Gradually add mayonnaise, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid crushing the vegetables. Add salt to taste. Try to achieve a homogeneous mixture without complicating the textures of the ingredients. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of mustard to the mayonnaise.

4. Serving and Decorating
Transfer the salad to a nice platter. You can decorate it as you wish. Olives and bell peppers are excellent options. Each corner of the salad can be garnished with slices of pickles or even with fresh parsley leaves for an extra splash of color.

Practical Tips

- Homemade Mayonnaise: If you use homemade mayonnaise, make sure it is made from fresh ingredients. A trick for getting perfect mayonnaise is to use room temperature eggs and add the oil gradually, in a thin stream, while mixing continuously.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients, such as celery or bell peppers, for a different taste. If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breast with tofu or boiled vegetables.
- Storage: Boeuf salad keeps well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. The taste gets even better as the ingredients blend.

Nutritional Benefits

Boeuf salad is a good source of protein thanks to the chicken breast and vitamins from the vegetables. Potatoes and carrots provide complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. Additionally, pickles are rich in probiotics, beneficial for digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are excellent, but make sure to boil them until soft.
- How can I make the salad lighter? You can reduce the amount of mayonnaise or replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Is this salad suitable for vegans? If you replace the chicken breast with vegetables and use vegan mayonnaise or plant-based yogurt, yes.

Recommended Pairings
Boeuf salad pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or crunchy crackers. Additionally, a refreshing drink, such as natural tomato juice or a light cocktail, can perfectly complement this salad.

Personal Note
For a personal twist, I like to add some chopped nuts or roasted peanuts to the salad to give it a crunchy texture and a unique taste. Also, remember that Boeuf salad is perfect for festive meals or for a family weekend lunch.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to grab the ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy and don't forget to savor every bite!