Potato and vegetable salad with mayonnaise

Potato and Vegetable Salad with Mayonnaise

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

Welcome to the flavorful world of salads! Today, I invite you to discover our delicious recipe for potato and vegetable salad with mayonnaise. It is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, a versatile dish that can be served as a side or as a light main course. This salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, being an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and vitamins.

The history of this salad spans decades, with deep roots in home cooking. It is a dish that has been loved by generations, often served at festive meals or on weekends, bringing together family and friends. So, let's get to work!

Ingredients:

For the salad:
- 5-6 medium potatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1 green onion
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the mayonnaise:
- 1/4 boiled potato
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup of oil (about 250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- Salt to taste

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well, ensuring you remove any traces of dirt. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor and let them boil over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until they become tender when pierced with a fork. It is essential to boil them with the skin on to retain nutrients and flavor.

2. Cooling and peeling the potatoes: Once the potatoes are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool for a few minutes, then carefully peel them. Use a knife or simply remove the skin with your hands, being careful not to burn yourself.

3. Chopping the vegetables: Once the potatoes have cooled completely, slice them thinly and add them to a large bowl. Dice the red bell pepper into small cubes, slice the red onion thinly, and cut the green onion into rings. Add all these vegetables to the bowl with potatoes.

4. Seasoning the salad: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to break the potato slices.

5. Making the mayonnaise: In a small bowl, add 1/4 of the boiled potato, mash it with a fork, and combine it with the egg yolk. Add a pinch of salt and the mustard. Now, using a wooden spoon, start mixing slowly, gradually adding the oil while continuing to mix vigorously. This process will create a creamy and fluffy emulsion. If you want a thinner mayonnaise, add the oil at a slower pace.

6. Finishing the salad: Once the mayonnaise is ready, add it over the vegetable and potato mixture. Gently mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated with mayonnaise. Taste and, if necessary, add more seasoning.

7. Serving: It is important to serve the salad cold. You can let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to cool well and allow the flavors to meld. It is perfect to be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light main course with a slice of fresh bread.

Helpful tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or cucumbers, for a variety of textures and flavors.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh for optimal taste.

Nutritional benefits:
Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins C and B6, as well as minerals like potassium. Adding fresh vegetables increases fiber and vitamin intake. Mayonnaise, while calorie-dense, can be made healthier by using high-quality oils.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What type of potatoes are best for salad?
Thin-skinned potatoes, such as red or new potatoes, are best as they cook evenly and hold their shape.

2. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?
Of course! If you're in a hurry, a quality mayonnaise can be a quick alternative.

3. How can I customize the recipe?
Add olives, corn, or even boiled eggs for extra texture and flavor.

This potato and vegetable salad with mayonnaise is not just a simple recipe but also a dish that evokes memories of family meals filled with love and warmth. Take every opportunity to prepare it and enjoy the moments spent with loved ones!