Oriental salad

Oriental salad with potatoes and eggs

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

Introduction

Welcome to the culinary world of oriental salad! This simple and delicious recipe for salad with potatoes and eggs is perfect for any meal, whether it's a family dinner, a party, or a picnic. The oriental salad is a dish that combines the creamy texture of potatoes with the fresh flavor of herbs and a creamy dressing, creating a perfect balance of tastes. Additionally, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted according to personal preferences.

A bit of history

The oriental salad has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It is often associated with festive meals and is appreciated for its combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Over time, each family has added a personal touch to this recipe, incorporating their own ingredients and spices, thus transforming the salad into a symbol of culinary diversity and creativity.

Main ingredients

- 8 medium potatoes (about 1 kg) – choose starchy potatoes for better texture
- 3 large eggs – rich in protein, they will add consistency to the salad
- 2 medium onions – for a slightly spicy and fresh taste
- Salt (to taste)

Ingredients for the dressing

- 150 g mayonnaise – you can also use homemade mayonnaise for an authentic taste
- 4 tablespoons of sweet mustard – adds a touch of sweetness and refined flavor
- Juice of one lemon – for a splash of freshness
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar – balances the flavors
- Fresh dill (chopped) – an essential ingredient for added flavor

Preparing the salad

1. Boiling the potatoes and eggs
Start by washing the potatoes well under running water, then place them in a large pot with water. Add a little salt for flavor. Boil the potatoes for about 25-30 minutes or until they are soft but not falling apart. Once boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly.
At the same time, boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes, then cool them quickly under a stream of cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Preparing the ingredients
Once the potatoes have cooled, peel them and cut them into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. The boiled eggs are peeled and cut into cubes. The onion is peeled and sliced julienne, and if you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak it in cold water for 10 minutes.

3. Preparing the dressing
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, and chopped fresh dill. Mix the ingredients well until they form a homogeneous dressing. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking – you can add more lemon juice or vinegar depending on how tangy you prefer the salad.

4. Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, add the diced potatoes, eggs, and onion. Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the bowl and mix gently so as not to break the potatoes. Make sure all ingredients are well coated with dressing.

5. Cooling and serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Serving suggestions

The oriental salad can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. An excellent combination is with grilled chicken or stuffed cabbage rolls. Additionally, for added freshness, you can include some slices of fresh tomatoes or cucumbers alongside the salad.

Variations of the recipe

If you want to add a touch of originality to your salad, you can try the following variations:

- Add green or black olives for a salty taste and crunchy texture.
- Incorporate red or green bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
- Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version.
- Add some chopped nuts for a crunchy texture and unique flavor.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace the mayonnaise?
Yes, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version of the salad.

- How can I store the salad?
The salad keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid absorbing odors from other foods.

- Is this salad suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, so it is not suitable for vegans. You can experiment with an avocado or tofu-based dressing for a vegan version.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of oriental salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber, while eggs provide a significant contribution of protein. Dill is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making this salad a healthy choice.

Conclusion

The oriental salad with potatoes and eggs is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether you prepare it for a festive meal or a picnic in the park, this salad will surely impress with its flavor and vibrant colors. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and find the combinations you like best. Enjoy your meal!