Cheerful Salad

Cheerful Salad - A Feast of Colors and Flavors

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Serving time: immediately
Total: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 2-4

Who doesn't love a fresh and flavorful salad? The cheerful salad is the perfect choice for a light yet nutritious meal. This simple and quick recipe brings a splash of color to your plate, making it ideal as an appetizer or a side dish for heartier meals. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or simply as a lunch on warm days, the cheerful salad is sure to win everyone's hearts.

Ingredients

- 1 bunch of green lettuce (about 200 g)
- 3 quail eggs
- 2 slices of fresh red bell pepper
- 2-3 olives (preferably green or black, depending on preference)
- Salt (to taste)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise

Ingredient Details

- Green lettuce: Choose a fresh, vibrant bunch of lettuce. You can opt for romaine, iceberg, or even a mix of greens for added textures and flavors.
- Quail eggs: These are smaller and more delicate than chicken eggs, with a subtle yet delicious taste. Additionally, they are rich in protein and essential nutrients.
- Red bell pepper: This vegetable is a staple in salads, adding a sweet and crunchy note. Bell peppers are also an excellent source of vitamin C.
- Olives: Add a salty taste and interesting texture. Green olives are more bitter, while black olives are sweeter, so choose the ones you like best.
- Mayonnaise: It can be homemade or store-bought, but make sure it is of good quality. If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Lemon juice: Adds a pleasant acidity, balancing the flavors in the salad.

Step by Step

1. Wash the lettuce: Start by washing the lettuce leaves. Tear them by hand into large pieces and let them dry on a clean towel. It is important to have them well-dried to avoid a watery salad.

2. Boil the eggs: Place the quail eggs in a small pot with cold water. Boil them for 4-5 minutes, then drain and let them cool under running cold water. This helps in easier peeling.

3. Prepare the vegetables: Slice the bell pepper into thin strips and chop the olives. These ingredients will add crunch and flavor to your salad.

4. Assemble the salad: In a clear bowl (to highlight the colors), carefully arrange the lettuce leaves. Add the strips of bell pepper and olives, then decorate with the boiled eggs, cut in halves or quarters, as preferred.

5. Add the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the lemon juice. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise depending on how creamy you want your salad. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss to combine the ingredients.

6. Final touches: Finally, add salt to taste, but it is recommended to do this just before serving to avoid making the salad soggy.

Helpful Tips

- Variations: You can add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or feta cheese to diversify the recipe. A handful of nuts or seeds can also add extra crunch.
- Storing the salad: The salad is best served immediately to keep the ingredients fresh. If you prepare it for later, keep the ingredients separate and mix them just before serving.
- Serving: This salad pairs excellently with fried eggs, omelets, cold cuts, or simply with a slice of toasted bread. A perfect combination for a weekend brunch!

Nutritional Benefits

The cheerful salad is an excellent choice for a healthy meal. Green lettuce is rich in fiber, vitamins A and K, while quail eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Bell pepper is a good source of antioxidants, and olives add healthy fats to your diet. Overall, a serving of this salad has about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken eggs instead of quail eggs?
Absolutely! You can use boiled chicken eggs, but adjust the boiling time to about 10 minutes.

- Is the salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can replace the mayonnaise with a tahini-based dressing or soy yogurt.

- How can I make the salad more filling?
Add proteins like sliced grilled chicken or tuna to turn the salad into a main dish.

Conclusion

The cheerful salad is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be customized to your preferences. Whether you choose to serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish, it will bring a splash of freshness and color to your table. Don't forget to experiment with other ingredients and put your personal touch on every serving! Enjoy your meal!