Improved Oriental Salad

Improved Oriental Salad - an explosion of flavors and colors

Total time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Are you looking for a simple and quick recipe for a delicious salad? The improved oriental salad is the perfect choice! This recipe brings a vibrant mix of healthy ingredients, combining the sweet taste of potatoes with the freshness of vegetables and a hint of acidity from lime. Let's see how to prepare it!

Ingredients:
- 5 medium potatoes (preferably red or white for texture)
- 2 red onions
- 2 pickled cucumbers
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 sweet potato
- 1/3 fresh red bell pepper
- 1/3 fresh green bell pepper
- 10-15 large olives (preferably black or green, pitted)
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste (homemade for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Detailed instructions:

1. Start by preparing the potatoes. Place the regular potatoes in cold water, with the skin on, and let them boil for about 20-25 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, peel the sweet potato and boil it separately, as it cooks faster.

2. While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the vegetables. Peel the onion and slice it into thin strips. Cut the avocado into large cubes, the peppers into long, thin strips, and the pickled cucumber into rounds. These cuts not only look good but also contribute to a pleasant texture of the salad.

3. Once the regular potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and slice them into rounds. The sweet potato, which cooked faster, should be cut into larger cubes for a contrast in texture.

4. Gather all the ingredients in a large bowl: the sliced potatoes, onion, avocado, peppers, pickled cucumber, and olives. Gently mix to avoid mashing the avocado.

5. Prepare the dressing: in a small bowl, mix the garlic paste, mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. It is essential to mix vigorously so that the ingredients emulsify well, resulting in a creamy and delicious dressing.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to coat all the ingredients. Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

Serving suggestions:
The improved oriental salad can be served as is or as a side dish alongside grilled meat. You can garnish it with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for an extra touch of freshness. If you want a variation, you can also add some cubes of feta or goat cheese for a salty and creamy note.

Helpful tips:
- Always choose a ripe avocado for a creamy texture. An avocado that is too hard will be difficult to cut, while one that is too soft will be hard to handle.
- If you don't have olives, you can replace them with nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the dressing.

Enjoy this improved oriental salad, full of colors and flavors, and delight in a healthy and delicious dish! Bon appétit!