Mountain Rooster's Nest Salad

Mountain Rooster's Nest Salad – an explosion of flavors and colors

Get ready to discover a recipe for a salad that is as elegant as it is delicious, sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of refinement to your table! The Mountain Rooster's Nest Salad is a perfect option for festive lunches or family dinners, being one of the most beloved salads in culinary tradition. With simple yet carefully selected ingredients, this recipe promises not only a wonderful taste but also a remarkable presentation.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 400 g chicken breast
- 5 eggs
- 100 g ham (preferably homemade or smoked)
- 500 g potatoes
- 100 g red onion
- 250 g green cucumbers
- 1/2 bunch of fresh dill
- a few leaves of green lettuce (iceberg or romaine for a crispy look)
- salt, pepper to taste
- mayonnaise (about 200 g)
- vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the meat and vegetables well under cold running water. This first step is essential to remove impurities and ensure a clean and healthy salad.

2. Boiling the chicken: Place the chicken breast in a pot with water and salt. Let it boil for about 20 minutes after it has come to a boil. This will ensure that the chicken is juicy and full of flavor. After boiling, drain the chicken and let it cool, then slice it into thin strips.

3. Boiling the eggs: In another pot, boil the eggs for 7 minutes. Once cooked, peel them and separate the whites from the yolks. Cut the whites into thin strips, while the yolks will be used later for decorating the salad.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Slice the cucumbers into thin strips so they easily integrate into the salad. The red onion should be sliced into thin rings, then blanched in hot water for 10 minutes. This process helps reduce the bitter taste of the onion. After cooling, rinse the onion under cold running water.

5. Adding the ingredients: Slice the ham into thin strips and chop the fresh dill finely. In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast, ham, cucumbers, onion, and egg whites. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the mayonnaise and gently mix to combine the ingredients.

6. Preparing the fried potatoes: Slice the potatoes thinly (it is important for them to be very thin to become crispy). Fry them in hot vegetable oil over high heat until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

7. Assembling the salad: Place a few leaves of green lettuce on a platter. Add the salad mixture from the bowl, then top with the fried potatoes and the boiled eggs decorated with mayonnaise and dill.

Tips and suggestions:
- Salad appearance: A detail that makes a difference is slicing the potatoes as thinly as possible. If you have a vegetable slicer, feel free to use it.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients such as bell peppers or olives for extra texture and flavor. Additionally, quail eggs can successfully replace chicken eggs for an elegant and refined look.
- Serving: The Mountain Rooster's Nest Salad pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade to complement the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and eggs, while the fresh vegetables provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals. The fried potatoes offer necessary carbohydrates for energy, but for a healthier option, you can bake the potatoes in the oven.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey meat? Yes, turkey meat is an excellent and leaner alternative.
2. How can I make the salad lighter? Reduce the amount of mayonnaise or use Greek yogurt as a base for a healthier dressing.
3. Can it be prepared in advance? It is recommended to prepare the salad a few hours before serving, but add the fried potatoes just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, let's get cooking! The Mountain Rooster's Nest Salad is more than just a salad; it is a culinary experience that will bring joy and color to your table. Enjoy every bite and don't hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones!