Beef salad (made from vegetables)

Beef salad with vegetables - a classic recipe, full of flavor and color, perfect for festive meals or for a comforting lunch. This salad is an excellent choice for those looking for a tasty and visually appealing dish, being highly appreciated in Romanian cuisine. Here’s how to prepare a beef salad with vegetables, step by step.

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

Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes
- 3 carrots
- 200 g frozen (or fresh) peas
- 3 pickled cucumbers
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 boiled eggs
- 200 g mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill) for decoration

Preparation:

1. Start by washing the potatoes and carrots well. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil the vegetables over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, until tender but not falling apart. If using frozen peas, add them in the last 5 minutes of boiling.

2. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the water and let them cool. Then, peel the potatoes and carrots and cut them into small cubes, about 1 cm. Drain the peas and add them to the other vegetables.

3. Chop the pickled cucumbers and red bell pepper into small cubes, similar to the boiled vegetables. These ingredients will add a tangy flavor and a crunchy note to your salad.

4. Cut the boiled eggs into small cubes. They will add a creamy texture and an extra protein boost to your beef salad.

5. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: potatoes, carrots, peas, cucumbers, bell pepper, eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard. Mix gently to avoid crushing the vegetables. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a lighter salad, you can replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

6. After achieving a homogeneous mixture, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for the flavors to meld and for the salad to become tastier.

7. Finally, you can garnish the salad with fresh herbs for a more appealing look. You can use chopped parsley or dill, depending on your preference.

Serving suggestions:
Beef salad with vegetables can be served in individual bowls or on large platters, alongside slices of toasted bread or croutons. It is an ideal dish for holidays or parties, but can also be enjoyed as a quick and healthy lunch.

Possible variations:
For a unique touch, you can add green or black olives, or even some feta cheese cubes for a Mediterranean flavor. You can also experiment with spices like paprika or smoked paprika to add extra flavor.

This beef salad with vegetables is perfect for any occasion, being a simple yet elegant dish. With a little patience and fresh ingredients, you will create a delicious salad that will impress anyone!