Festive beef salad

Festive Beef Salad: A Delicacy for the Holidays

Welcome to the culinary world of the holidays! Today, I present to you a festive beef salad recipe, perfect for adding a touch of elegance and flavor to your New Year's table. This recipe is a slightly adapted version of the classic, with a special decoration that will impress everyone. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main course, this salad will bring smiles and admiration.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 5 medium potatoes
- 3 carrots
- 1/2 celery
- 2 pieces of chicken breast
- 1 small can of Bonduelle peas (approximately 400g)
- Mayonnaise (made from 2 egg yolks, 2 teaspoons of mustard, and 250 ml of oil)
- 1/2 jar of bell peppers (approximately 200g)
- 1/2 pickled cucumber
- 4 boiled eggs
- Olives (optional, for decoration)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A little story about beef salad

Beef salad is a delicacy that has transcended generations, becoming a symbol of festive meals. This savory recipe combines simple ingredients but with rich flavors, and each family has its variations. Over time, beef salad has evolved, but its essence remains unchanged: an explosion of tastes and colors that brings us together around the table.

Step by step for a perfect beef salad

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by carefully washing the potatoes, carrots, and celery. These vegetables will be boiled with their skins to preserve their flavor and nutrients. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Let them boil over medium heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft but not overcooked.

2. Boiling the eggs and chicken: In another pot, place the chicken breast along with 1/2 cleaned and cubed celery. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and boil over medium heat for 20-25 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, add the eggs to boil them. Once everything is cooked, let it cool slightly before peeling.

3. Chopping the ingredients: After the vegetables have cooled, peel them. Cut the potatoes, carrots, and celery into small, uniform cubes to ensure a pleasant texture. Do the same with the chicken breast and boiled eggs.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped ingredients (potatoes, carrots, celery, chicken breast, peas, bell peppers, and pickled cucumber). Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to avoid breaking the shape of the ingredients.

5. Preparing the mayonnaise: If you prefer to make mayonnaise from scratch, beat the 2 egg yolks with the mustard, gradually adding the oil until you achieve a creamy consistency. If you have ready-made mayonnaise, you can use it directly.

6. Finishing the salad: Incorporate the mayonnaise into the mixture of ingredients, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Once you have a homogeneous composition, transfer the salad to a platter and dress it with an additional layer of mayonnaise for an elegant appearance.

7. Decorating: Here’s the fun part! Use the olives to create a clock design on the surface of the salad. You can decorate with slices of boiled egg and cubes of bell pepper to add color. This presentation will not only impress but will also add extra flavor.

Useful tips:

- Cooking the vegetables: Make sure the vegetables are not overcooked, so they do not break down in the mix. They should be firm but cooked.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients, such as colored carrots or corn, to diversify the texture and appearance of the salad.
- Serving: This salad can be served with toasted bread or as a filling for canapés. An excellent combination would be with a glass of white wine or a fruit cocktail.

Nutritional benefits

Beef salad is a good source of protein due to the chicken breast and eggs, while the vegetables provide essential fiber and vitamins. The olives, if added, can contribute healthy fatty acids. In total, a serving has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace chicken breast with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or even fish, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the salad more diet-friendly?
Reduce the amount of mayonnaise or use Greek yogurt as a base for a lighter version.

3. How long does beef salad last in the fridge?
The salad can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Although it is preferable to use fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables can be a viable alternative, making sure to thaw and drain them well.

Festive beef salad is not just a simple dish, but a true culinary experience, full of flavors and stories. I encourage you to prepare it and share it with your loved ones. The joy of cooking and savoring together is, in fact, the essence of the holidays. Enjoy your meal!