Oriental salad

Oriental Salad with Potatoes and Eggs – A Flavorful Delight

When it comes to salads, few can rival the richness of flavors and textures offered by an oriental salad. This simple and quick recipe combines boiled potatoes, eggs, and fresh vegetables to create a tasty dish, perfect as both a side and a main course. Moreover, it is a fantastic option for family meals or gatherings with friends. Let’s explore each step of preparing this salad together!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes (preferably new potatoes or red potatoes for better texture)
- 4 eggs
- 160 g pitted green olives
- 4 green onion stalks
- 1 dry onion
- 2 bell peppers (you can use roasted bell peppers for a more intense flavor)
- 2 pickles
- 4-5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (preferably wine or balsamic)
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well, leaving them with the skin to preserve nutrients and enhance flavor. Place them in a large pot with cold water, ensuring the water completely covers them. Add a pinch of salt and let them boil for about 45 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a fork into them; if it goes in easily, they are cooked. If not, let them cook for a few more minutes.

2. Boiling the eggs: In another pot, boil the eggs. They should cook for 10 minutes to achieve a firm but not dry yolk. Once done, place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the potatoes and eggs are boiling, you can prepare the vegetables. Slice the dry onion thinly (julienne), and chop the green onions finely. The bell peppers can be cut into cubes or strips, depending on your preference. Slice the pickles into rounds.

4. Cutting the potatoes and eggs: Once the potatoes have cooled, cut them into larger cubes. The boiled eggs should be sliced into rounds. These varied textures will add a special charm to your salad.

5. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: the cut potatoes, eggs, green onions, dry onion, bell peppers, and pickles. Add the green olives, which will provide a salty and savory taste.

6. Seasoning: Season the salad with salt, olive oil, and vinegar. Gently mix to avoid mashing the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

7. Serving: The salad is delicious served as is, but you can accompany it with a juicy chicken or pork steak for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled fish or even a vegetarian dish.

Practical tips:
- Use potatoes of similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- If you want to add extra nutrients, you can include fresh dill or chopped parsley.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance; the flavors meld better if it has time to sit in the refrigerator.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This salad is a healthy choice, with approximately 220 calories per serving. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, while eggs provide quality protein. Olives add healthy fats, and the vegetables offer essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of vegetables? Yes, you can adapt the salad according to your preferences. Peppers, carrots, or even radishes can be excellent alternatives.
- How can I make the salad spicier? Add a bit of chopped hot pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix.
- What drinks pair well with this salad? Fresh lemonade or a dry white wine are ideal accompaniments to highlight the salad's flavors.

This oriental salad recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or a picnic in the park, it will surely impress with its flavor and freshness. Enjoy every bite and relish the pleasant conversations it will generate!