Beef salad without meat

Beef salad is an iconic dish that skillfully combines fresh vegetables with creamy mayonnaise, creating a mix of flavors and textures that delight the taste buds. It is a staple at festive meals, with each housewife having her unique recipe tailored to her family's tastes. Today, I invite you to discover a delicious beef salad recipe, perfect for serving during the holidays, but also on ordinary days when you want to bring a touch of festivity to your plate.

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

Ingredients

- 6 medium potatoes
- 3 carrots
- 6 pickles
- 1 can of sweet corn (approximately 300 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons of capers
- 2-3 tablespoons of grain mustard
- Salt to taste

For the mayonnaise:
- 1 fresh egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon of grain mustard
- 200 ml sunflower oil

Necessary utensils

- A large pot for boiling
- A large mixing bowl
- A mixer or whisk
- A heart-shaped silicone mold
- Cling film
- A knife and a cutting board

Step by Step

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the potatoes and carrots well. Place the potatoes in cold water, with the skin on, to boil. Peel the carrots, then add them to salted water. Let the vegetables boil for about 20-30 minutes until they become tender but not too soft to maintain their shape.

2. Cooling the vegetables: Once the vegetables are boiled, drain the water and rinse them under cold running water. This will help to clean the potatoes more easily and stop the cooking process.

3. Chopping the vegetables: After they have cooled, peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Do the same with the carrots. Cut the pickles into small cubes as well.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, pickles, corn, and capers. Add the mustard and salt to taste, mixing gently to avoid crushing the vegetables.

5. Preparing the mayonnaise: In another bowl, mix the egg yolk with the mustard. Gradually add the oil in a thin stream, continuously mixing to achieve a creamy emulsion. Season with salt to taste.

6. Finishing the salad: Add the prepared mayonnaise to the bowl with the vegetables and mix gently until all ingredients are well coated. Reserve a spoonful of mayonnaise for decoration.

7. Shaping the salad: Place a piece of cling film in the heart-shaped silicone mold. Fill the mold with the beef salad, pressing gently to give it an even shape. Place another piece of cling film on top and put the mold in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.

8. Serving: Once cooled, take the mold out of the freezer, remove the top cling film, and invert it onto a plate. Carefully remove the cling film. Mix the reserved mayonnaise with ½ teaspoon of ketchup and use this mixture to decorate the salad. You can garnish with fresh parsley leaves for an attractive visual appeal.

Chef's tip

For an even more intense flavor, you can add chopped green or black olives. Additionally, for a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, giving your dish a fresher note.

Nutritional Benefits

Beef salad is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables used. Potatoes provide essential carbohydrates, carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, and pickles add fiber. Additionally, the mayonnaise contains healthy fats, but it should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the mustard with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use ready-made mayonnaise or other condiments like Worcestershire sauce to add a different note.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with peas, celery, or even boiled chicken if you want a heartier version.

3. How can I store the beef salad?
The salad keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with cling film, for 2-3 days.

Delicious combinations

Beef salad pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as a glass of lemonade or a dry white wine. It can also be served alongside fresh bread or savory crackers, providing a complete and satisfying meal.

A personal note: This recipe is not just about cooking, but also about sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. Each spoonful of beef salad brings back childhood memories, where festive meals were filled with laughter and joy. Give it a personal touch by adding ingredients that make your heart race!

Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!