Student salad

Student Salad - An explosion of freshness and flavor

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Have you ever thought that a salad can be so much more than just a simple side dish? The student salad is a colorful, flavorful, and textured recipe that will turn any meal into a memorable culinary experience. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also very healthy, packed with essential nutrients. Perfect for busy days when time is not on your side, but also for moments when you want to impress friends with a simple yet delicious dish.

A bit of history

The student salad can be considered a symbol of youth, energy, and culinary adventure. This recipe combines simple ingredients that can be easily found in almost any market, making it ideal for students or anyone looking to eat healthily without spending too much. It is a versatile salad that can be adapted according to individual preferences, based on seasonal ingredients.

Your ingredients for a perfect student salad:

- 2 boiled eggs (cut into quarters or slices)
- 1 bunch of green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 heads of lettuce (iceberg or romaine, torn into strips)
- 200 g hard and salty goat cheese (or feta, for a creamier option)
- 1 bunch of radishes (sliced thinly)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 100 g pitted olives (black or green, depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet mustard
- Salt (to taste)
- Olive oil (extra virgin, for a more intense flavor)
- Balsamic vinegar (a splash for a hint of acidity)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Wash the ingredients: Start by washing all the ingredients thoroughly under cold running water. This will ensure that your salad is not only tasty but also clean.

2. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, take the heads of lettuce and tear them into strips. Make sure they are the desired size for easy eating.

3. Add the vegetables: Place the boiled eggs cut in the salad bowl, then add the finely chopped green onions, radishes, and dill. Each of these ingredients brings a different texture and flavor, creating a vibrant mix.

4. Include the cheese: Cut the goat cheese into cubes or crumble it, depending on preference, and add it to the bowl. The cheese brings a salty and creamy flavor that balances the other ingredients.

5. The olives: Add the pitted olives. These will add a salty note and extra texture to the salad.

6. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mustard with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Mix well until the dressing is homogeneous. This will add a delicious flavor to your salad.

7. Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to coat all the ingredients. Before adding salt, taste the salad, as the cheese may already be salty.

8. Serving: Your salad is ready! You can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish alongside fries or a juicy steak. It is an ideal accompaniment for a summer meal or an outdoor picnic.

Practical tips for a perfect result:

- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is crucial. Buy fresh vegetables from the market to achieve a crunchy and flavorful salad.
- Enrich the salad: You can experiment with other ingredients, such as avocado, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers, to add a personalized touch.
- The dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of olive oil.
- Make ahead: The salad can be prepared a few hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend, but make sure to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.

Nutritional benefits:

This salad is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. The eggs provide quality protein, while the vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Goat cheese brings calcium and healthy fats, and olives are full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. A serving of student salad has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of dressing used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can replace goat cheese with feta or mozzarella, depending on your preference.

2. Is it possible to make the salad vegan?
Sure! Replace the eggs with tofu or other plant-based proteins and omit the cheese.

3. How can I store the salad for the next day?
Keep the salad in an airtight container and add the dressing only before consuming to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

Serving suggestions:

For a complete meal, serve the student salad alongside a glass of fresh lemonade or a chilled white wine. This combination will enhance the flavors and turn any dinner into a special moment.

Enjoy your meal! I invite you to try the recipe and let your creativity soar in the kitchen!