Maxi Salad

Maxi salad is a delicious and versatile recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. This salad, rich in vitamins and textures, is sure to become your favorite! The total preparation time is about 30 minutes, and the recipe is sufficient for 4 servings. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

- 3 small carrots
- 1 head of lettuce (preferably Iceberg for crunchiness)
- 1 cabbage (red or white, according to preference)
- 100 g cheese (preferably aged for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g pressed ham (you can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
- 3 slices of older bread (or homemade crostini)
- Olive oil (for a refined taste)

For the dressing:

- 1 ½ yogurt (Greek for a creamier consistency)
- 2 teaspoons mustard (Dijon for a spicy note)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, you can use extra yogurt for a lighter version)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (apple or balsamic)
- 2 teaspoons Maggi sauce (optional, for an umami boost)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the croutons. Cut the slices of bread into small cubes, about 1 cm in size. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. This step is essential for achieving crispy and flavorful croutons. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and let them dry for 10-15 minutes until golden.

2. Meanwhile, peel the carrots and grate them using a large grater. If you prefer, you can also cut them into thin strips. This will add a pleasant texture to the salad.

3. Wash the lettuce and cabbage under cold running water. Cut the lettuce into large pieces and the cabbage into thin strips. Combining these two ingredients provides a beautiful contrast of colors and textures.

4. Cut the cheese and ham into small cubes for easy integration into the salad.

5. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, vinegar, and Maggi sauce (if you choose to use it). Mix well until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

6. In a large bowl, add the lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cheese, and ham. Gently mix them together to combine.

7. Add the crispy croutons and pour the dressing over the salad. Mix again carefully to avoid crushing the ingredients, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

8. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunchy texture of the croutons. You can add some pumpkin or sunflower seeds for an extra nutrient boost and an appetizing look.

Personal suggestion: This Maxi salad is delicious served alongside a slice of toasted bread or as a side dish for grilling. You can also experiment with other ingredients, such as avocado or olives, to add a Mediterranean touch.

Enjoy this simple, quick salad full of colors and flavors!