Oriental Salad

Oriental potato salad - a simple, delicious, and very versatile recipe, perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish for your favorite meals. This salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a dish full of flavors and textures. Here’s how you can prepare an oriental potato salad, step by step.

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

Ingredients:
- 500 g potatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 100 g olives (green or black, according to preference)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the ingredients:
1. Start by washing the potatoes well, making sure to remove any impurities. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin will add texture and nutrients to the salad.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot with cold water and a pinch of salt. Boil them over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until tender but not falling apart. Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are done.
3. After boiling, drain the potatoes and let them cool completely, then peel and cut them into cubes of about 1-2 cm. This step is essential for achieving a pleasant texture in the salad.

Preparing the salad:
4. Meanwhile, wash and peel the onion, slicing it thinly. If you prefer a milder taste, you can let it sit in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
5. Wash the red bell pepper and cut it into thin strips. This will add a splash of color and crunch to your salad.
6. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, sliced onion, red pepper strips, and olives. Gently mix to avoid crushing the potatoes.

Finalizing the salad:
7. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, then add the olive oil. Mix again carefully to evenly distribute the seasonings and oil.
8. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld well.

Serving suggestion:
The oriental potato salad can be served as is, as an appetizer, or as a side dish alongside grilled meat or fish. You can garnish it with fresh parsley or dill leaves for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even feta cheese for a richer taste. You can also try using stuffed olives with peppers or almonds to add a unique twist.

This salad is not only easy to prepare but also healthy and nourishing, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy every bite and savor the Mediterranean flavors!