New Year Salad Advent

Advent Salad: The Magic of the Holidays on a Plate

When it comes to holidays, every meal should be a celebration in itself. Today, I will share with you a traditional salad recipe, perfect for bringing a touch of joy to Christmas and New Year's Eve. The Advent Salad is not only a visual feast but also a delicious mix of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. This salad is a symbol of conviviality, a dish that brings people together, and I am excited to show you how to prepare it step by step.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 2 eggs
- 400 g broccoli
- 100 g cheese (preferably sliced)
- 200 g ham or chicken
- 2 pickled cucumbers
- 1 pickled bell pepper (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 4-5 green onions
- 200 g mayonnaise
- 1/2 red bell pepper (for decoration)
- For decoration: 1/2 bunch of dill, 1/2 pomegranate

Preparation:

1. Boiling the ingredients:
- Start by washing the potatoes and carrots thoroughly. Place them in a pot with cold water and boil until tender, about 20-25 minutes for potatoes and 15-20 minutes for carrots. The potatoes will peel easily once cooked.
- Meanwhile, wash the broccoli and cut it into small florets. Boil it in salted water for 3-4 minutes, then immediately plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking and maintain a vibrant green color.

2. Preparing the eggs:
- In another pot, boil the eggs for 7 minutes. Once cooked, cool them under a stream of cold water and peel them. Cut them into thin strips for easier integration into the salad.

3. Cutting the ingredients:
- Peel and cut the carrots and potatoes into small cubes, as well as the ham or chicken. The pickled cucumbers and bell pepper should be finely chopped and drained to remove excess liquid.

4. Assembling the salad:
- In a large bowl, mix the cucumbers, bell pepper, ham, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will add creaminess and flavor to the salad.

5. Plating:
- On a large platter, start with a layer of potatoes seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, add a layer of carrots, leaving round spaces for the "candles" made of cheese.
- Continuing, place a layer of eggs, followed by the mayonnaise mixture and broccoli.

6. Decorating:
- Spread a little mayonnaise on the cheese slices, roll them up, and place them in the empty spaces. To create the flames of the candles, use thin slices of red bell pepper or red chili, providing a nice color contrast.
- Finally, decorate with fresh dill and pomegranate seeds, which not only look good but also add a sweet and sour taste.

Useful tips:
- Choose "starchy" potatoes as they boil better and become fluffier.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or roasted vegetables.
- The Advent Salad tastes even better if you let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables and eggs, which provide high-quality protein. Broccoli is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while dill adds extra fiber and flavor.

Possible variations:
- You can add green or black olives for extra flavor.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie but equally tasty version.

Serving:
The Advent Salad is served cold, as an appetizer or side dish, alongside a refreshing drink or a glass of white wine. This salad can be the star of your holiday table, bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I prepare the salad in advance? Yes, it is recommended to prepare it a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- What other recipes can I pair with Advent Salad? It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or fish, as well as a creamy vegetable soup.

I hope you will try this recipe and bring a touch of magic to your holiday meals! The Advent Salad is not just a delicious dish, but also a perfect way to gather family and friends around the table. Enjoy!