Corn salad with ham and mushrooms

Delicious Salad with Corn, Ham, and Mushrooms

Looking for an easy, quick, and incredibly tasty recipe to impress your guests or simply to treat yourself to a family dinner? This salad with corn, ham, and mushrooms is the perfect choice! Combining simple yet delicious ingredients, this salad becomes an appetizer or a main dish that will delight any palate. Whether you serve it at a party, a picnic, or at home, it will always earn you compliments from your loved ones.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 300 g canned mushrooms
- 300 g canned corn
- 200 g pressed ham
- 300 g mayonnaise (preferably from one egg)
- 200 g sour cream
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, for garnish

The history of the corn, ham, and mushroom salad is marked by its simplicity. This recipe was created in times when canned ingredients were highly valued, being easy to store and use. Salads evolved from a necessity to preserve vegetables and make them more appealing at the table, and combinations have diversified over the years. This salad is no exception, being a versatile and flavorful choice.

Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by draining the canned mushrooms and corn well. Make sure the mushrooms are not too watery to avoid diluting the salad. As for the ham, cut it into small cubes or strips, depending on your preference.

2. Mixing the dressing: In a large bowl, add the mayonnaise and sour cream. These two ingredients will give the salad a delicious creaminess. Mix them with a spatula or a large spoon until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste; don’t be afraid to taste the dressing – it’s always a good idea to adjust the seasoning according to personal preferences.

3. Combining the ingredients: Now, add the diced ham and mushrooms to the bowl with the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. Gently mix so that each cube of ham and each slice of mushroom is well coated with the dressing. Then, add the drained corn and mix again.

4. Finalizing the salad: Once all the ingredients are well integrated, it’s time to add the fresh parsley. Finely chop it and sprinkle it over the salad. This will not only add a splash of color but will also provide a fresh and aromatic taste.

5. Serving: The salad is now ready! You can transfer it to a serving bowl and decorate it with a few whole parsley leaves for an elegant look. It is recommended to let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving, for the flavors to meld better.

Practical tips:
- If you want a lighter version, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will provide a similar texture but will reduce the calorie intake.
- For an extra flavor, you can add some chopped green or black olives. They will add a salty taste and diversify the salad.
- You can experiment with different types of ham, such as turkey ham or smoked ham, to achieve a unique flavor.

Nutritional benefits: This salad is an excellent source of protein due to the ham and sour cream, while the corn brings fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, and parsley adds vitamin C and folic acid.

Calories: A serving of salad contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the exact amount of mayonnaise and sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned ones? Yes, but make sure to cook them slightly to reduce moisture.
- How do I store the salad? It is recommended to keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. The salad can be consumed for 2-3 days.
- What can I serve with this salad? It is delicious alongside toasted bread, croutons, or as a side dish for a meat platter.

Possible variations:
- If you want a spicy salad, add a splash of chili sauce or a few slices of hot pepper.
- Add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch and texture.
- A vegan version can be made by replacing the ham with marinated tofu and the mayonnaise with an avocado-based dressing.

Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences, and you will find that it quickly becomes a favorite dish in your household. This corn, ham, and mushroom salad is easy to make and can be easily adapted, making it perfect for any occasion! So let’s put on our aprons and start this culinary adventure!