Mushroom and Chicken Breast Salad (Santa Claus Salad)

Love is a Salad: A Festive Recipe for the Soul

In a world full of flavors and colors, the salad I will share with you today is not just a dish, but a love story. This salad, with a wonderful combination of ingredients, will bring a touch of joy to your tables, regardless of the season. Although the decoration may seem more suitable for spring, its delicious aroma is perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300 g)
- 500 ml chicken broth (or water)
- 200 g ham
- 50 g green or black olives
- 1 jar sliced mushrooms (approximately 400 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 100 g cheese
- 4 pickles

For the mayonnaise:
- 2 eggs (1 boiled and 1 raw)
- 200 ml oil (olive or sunflower)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon

For decoration:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 2 black olives
- 1 red bell pepper

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Boil the Chicken Breast: Start by boiling the chicken breast in chicken broth (or water) for 15 minutes until the meat becomes tender. This will add a delicious flavor to your salad. Once boiled, let it cool so it can be cut.

2. Prepare the Ingredients: After the chicken breast has cooled, cut it into cubes and place it in a large bowl. Add the diced ham and olives. This combination will bring a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

3. The Mushrooms: In a pan, heat the oil and add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 5-10 minutes until they become golden and slightly crispy. Let them cool, then add them to the bowl with the chicken.

4. Cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers lengthwise, remove the seeds, and dice them. It is important to squeeze them well to prevent the salad from becoming too wet. Add them to the bowl along with the other ingredients.

5. The Cheese: Grate the cheese using a large grater and add it to the bowl. This will add a savory creaminess to the salad.

6. Making the Mayonnaise: In a bowl, mix the boiled egg (finely chopped) with the raw one. Gradually add the oil, stirring constantly in one direction to avoid the mayonnaise from splitting. When it starts to thicken, add the mustard and lemon juice to taste. The mayonnaise should be creamy and flavorful.

7. Combining the Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise over the chicken mix and gently stir to combine all the ingredients. Add salt to taste.

8. Serving: Place the salad on a large platter. Now comes the fun part: decorating! Grate the egg whites and yolks from the two boiled eggs, as well as the red bell pepper. Use this mixture to create a Santa Claus face on the salad, using the olives for eyes.

Tips and Tricks
- Variations: You can experiment with various ingredients, such as adding sweet corn or fresh dill, which will provide a fresh flavor.
- Serving: This salad pairs wonderfully with a bottle of white wine or a refreshing citrus-based cocktail, adding a festive touch to the table.
- Mayonnaise Tips: If you want to save time, you can use store-bought mayonnaise, but remember that homemade has an incomparable taste!

Nutritional Benefits
This salad is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast and eggs, while the mushrooms and cucumbers add fiber and vitamins. Olive oil brings healthy fatty acids that contribute to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add other ingredients?
Of course! You can add fresh vegetables or other types of meat, such as turkey or tuna.

2. How do I store the salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it is recommended to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

3. Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
You can transform the recipe into a vegetarian one by replacing the meat with marinated tofu or legumes.

In conclusion, this "Love is a Salad" is not just a recipe, but an invitation to explore the joy of cooking and share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Enjoy every bite and remember to savor the cooking process!