Catalina's 'Oriental' Salad

Cătălina's 'Oriental' Salad: An Explosion of Flavors and Colors

The oriental salad, as prepared by Cătălina, is a classic dish, full of freshness and flavor, perfect for any meal. This recipe combines simple yet characterful ingredients to create a delicious dish that will delight your taste buds. Moreover, it is easy to make, which is why I warmly recommend it to cooking enthusiasts, whether they are beginners or experienced chefs.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g new potatoes
- 6 eggs
- 1 can of tuna in oil (about 150 g)
- 1 fresh cucumber
- 5-6 radishes
- 1 green onion
- 100 g olives (green or black)
- Lettuce (for garnish)
- 1/2 tomato (for garnish)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (to taste)
- Balsamic vinegar (to taste)

A Touch of History:
The oriental salad is a popular dish in many cultures, often associated with festive meals or family gatherings. It reflects the diversity of available ingredients, each bringing a unique texture and flavor. Over the years, this recipe has evolved with variations added, but its essence remains unchanged: the freshness of the vegetables and the richness of the proteins from the eggs and tuna.

Step-by-step Preparation:
1. Boil the ingredients: Start by boiling the potatoes and eggs. Fill a pot with water and add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor. New potatoes need about 20-25 minutes to cook properly, and the eggs will be ready in 10 minutes. Once the eggs are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Meanwhile, wash the radishes and cucumber, then slice them thinly. For a crunchier texture, make sure the radishes are fresh. The green onion can be chopped finely or sliced into rings, according to your preference, and will add a note of flavor and color to the salad.

3. Add the tuna and olives: Drain the tuna from the oil and the olives from the brine, then add them to the large bowl prepared for the salad. Tuna is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, while olives will contribute a distinct flavor.

4. Finalize the salad: Once the potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and slice them into rounds. Peel the eggs and slice them as desired. Add all the ingredients to the bowl with the vegetables, season with salt and pepper to taste, then carefully mix using a wooden spoon to avoid crushing the vegetables.

5. Season and serve: Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. The salad can be served on a bed of green lettuce leaves and garnished with tomato slices.

Useful Tips:
- Ingredients: Use new potatoes for better texture. Free-range eggs will add a more intense flavor, and tuna in olive oil is preferable to that in water for a richer taste.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to diversify the flavor. Additionally, if you want a spicier dish, you can add a few slices of chili pepper.
- Serving: The oriental salad is perfect as a main dish on a warm day or as a side to a steak. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing drink, such as mint lemonade.

Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, eggs provide quality protein, and fresh vegetables are full of antioxidants. Tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of fish? Yes, you can replace the tuna with smoked salmon or sardine fillets for a different flavor.
2. Is the salad vegan? No, as it contains eggs and tuna. However, you can adapt the recipe by omitting these and adding avocado for a creamy texture.
3. How long can the salad be stored? If kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad can be consumed within 2 days.

This Cătălina's oriental salad is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy choice. So, don't hesitate to try it and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!