Ham and egg salad

Delicious ham and egg salad - a perfect choice for warm days or a quick and healthy lunch. This simple and quick recipe combines the freshness of vegetables with the flavor of cottage cheese and ham, offering an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, this salad is versatile and fits perfectly for various occasions.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 2 heads of lettuce (leafy or regular, according to preference)
- 3 bunches of radishes
- 2 bunches of green onions
- 2-3 cucumbers
- 3-4 tomatoes (for a more interesting look, use yellow and red cherry tomatoes)
- 150 g cottage cheese, diced
- 100 g green olives, pitted
- 3-4 slices of Prague ham, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs

For the dressing:

- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the lettuce carefully, leaf by leaf, under a jet of cold water. This step is essential to remove dirt and pesticides. After washing the lettuce, you can tear it into smaller pieces or chop it finely, depending on your preference. Personally, I like to chop it as it mixes better with the other ingredients.

2. Preparing the other ingredients: Wash the other vegetables as well. Slice the radishes and green onions thinly, and cut the cucumbers and tomatoes into cubes or slices, according to preference. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half for a more appealing look.

3. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, radishes, green onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Then, add the diced cottage cheese, chopped Prague ham, and green olives. These ingredients not only add flavor but also a crunchy and colorful texture to your salad.

4. Boiling the eggs: Boil the two eggs for 10-12 minutes until they become hard. Once boiled, let them cool slightly and then remove the shell. You can choose to use them as a garnish on the salad or chop them and add them to the vegetable mixture. I prefer to slice them and place them nicely on top for an extra presentation touch.

5. Preparing the dressing: In a small container, combine the olive oil with the lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to obtain a smooth dressing.

6. Finalizing the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix everything to evenly coat the ingredients. Make sure not to damage the structure of the vegetables so they remain crunchy and appetizing.

7. Serving: The salad is served immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves or parsley for an extra flavor boost. This salad is delicious alongside a slice of toasted bread or as a side dish for various grilled dishes.

Practical tips:

- Ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavors. If you like a spicier taste, add a few slices of hot pepper.
- Variations: You can replace the Prague ham with boiled chicken breast or canned tuna for a healthier option. You can also experiment with cheese, choosing feta or mozzarella for a different texture.
- Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the mix.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving contains about 250-300 calories, and the vegetables provide a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. The eggs add quality protein, while the olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I add other ingredients? Of course! You can add avocado, corn, or even fruits for a sweet contrast.
- How can I store the salad? It is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, without dressing, to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

In conclusion, this ham and egg salad is the ideal choice for a healthy, quick, and flavorful meal. It will surely impress both family and friends. Enjoy preparing and experimenting in the kitchen!