Oriental Salad

Oriental Salad with Eggs and Vegetables: A Refreshing Recipe for Hot Days

Looking for a simple, tasty, and filling salad, perfect for hot summer days? This oriental salad with eggs and vegetables is the ideal choice! Combining fresh and healthy ingredients, this recipe will not only satisfy your hunger but also bring a splash of coolness to those scorching days. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to everyone's preferences.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 7 medium potatoes
- 5 carrots
- 4 eggs
- 6 pickles
- 150 g olives (preferably green)
- ½ lemon (juice)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sweet mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large tomato for garnish

Brief History:
The oriental salad is a recipe that has gained popularity due to its versatility and simple, accessible ingredients. It has become a staple dish in many cultures, offering a combination of textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. Often served as an appetizer or main dish on warm days, the salad has evolved over time, with each housewife adding her personal touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the potatoes and carrots thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities. It is important not to peel them before boiling, as the skin helps retain nutrients.

Step 2: Boiling the vegetables
Place the potatoes and carrots in a large pot with cold water. Bring to a boil and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes until they are soft but not mushy. Test with a knife: if it goes in easily, they are ready. Once boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool.

Step 3: Boiling the eggs
In another pot, place the eggs to boil. They should boil for 10-12 minutes to be hard. After boiling, place them immediately under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool, then peel and slice them into rounds.

Step 4: Cutting the vegetables
Once the potatoes and carrots have completely cooled, peel them and cut them into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Add them to a large bowl.

Step 5: Adding the ingredients
Add the olives, chopped pickles, and boiled eggs to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently mix to avoid crushing the ingredients.

Step 6: Preparing the mayonnaise
In a small bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the 2 tablespoons of sweet mustard. Incorporate the juice from ½ lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. This light mayonnaise will add a delicious flavor to the salad without making it too heavy.

Step 7: Combining the ingredients
Pour the mayonnaise sauce over the salad and gently mix to coat all the ingredients. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 8: Serving
For an attractive presentation, arrange the salad on a platter and decorate with fresh tomato slices. This detail will not only add color but also a fresh taste to the salad.

Practical Tips:
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. A serving has about 300-350 calories, making it a healthy and filling option. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, while eggs are an excellent source of protein.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as peas or bell peppers, to diversify the taste. Additionally, you can replace olives with nuts for an extra crunch.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is perfect to be served alongside a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or lemonade with fresh fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can it be prepared in advance?
- Yes, the salad can be prepared a few hours ahead. It is even better after sitting in the fridge, as the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use pre-boiled eggs?
- Yes, pre-boiled eggs are an excellent option to save time.

3. How can I make the salad spicier?
- You can add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the prepared mayonnaise to give it a spicier flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! This oriental salad is not only a filling meal but also an explosion of flavors. Enjoy your meal!