Summer Oriental Salad

Summer Oriental Salad – a fresh and tasty feast

Are you dreaming of a table full of flavors, vibrant colors, and healthy ingredients? The summer oriental salad is the perfect choice for warm days when you want something refreshing and easy to prepare. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Let’s venture together into making this simple yet flavorful salad!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Essential ingredients for the oriental salad:
- 4-5 medium new potatoes (about 800 g), boiled in their skins
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 fresh cucumbers, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 150 g fillet mignon (optional, for a non-vegetarian version)
- 200 g black olives (or green olives, if you prefer)
- 1 small onion, julienned
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons vinegar (preferably white wine or balsamic vinegar)
- Dried oregano, for a hint of flavor

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boil the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, place them in a pot of salted water and let them boil for 20 minutes or until they become soft but not too mushy, so they hold their shape. Check them with a fork – if it goes in easily, they are ready! After draining, let them cool slightly, then peel and cut them into 1 cm cubes.

2. Prepare the onion: Slice the onion into thin strips (julienne) and place it in a bowl covered with a little salt. This will help soften it, reducing its sharpness. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

3. De-salting the olives: If you are using salty olives, it is recommended to soak them. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about an hour, changing the water a few times. This way, you will achieve a less salty salad.

4. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, diced eggs, sliced fillet mignon (if you choose to use it), and olives. Add the drained onion and mix gently to avoid crushing the ingredients.

5. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the mustard, vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. You can adjust the proportions of the dressing to your taste – if you prefer a tangier flavor, add more vinegar.

6. Finalizing the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Make sure all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

7. Serving: This salad is served cold, so I recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can garnish the plate with fresh parsley leaves or whole olives for a more appealing look.

Unique suggestion: If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a crunchy contrast. Also, for an ovo-vegetarian salad, you can omit the fillet mignon, and the salad will remain just as tasty and nutritious.

Nutritional information: This salad is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, vitamins from the tomatoes and cucumbers, and protein from the boiled eggs. Additionally, olive oil brings healthy fats into the diet. A serving of salad has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes add a sweet flavor and vibrant color to your salad!

2. How can I make the salad more filling?
- Adding cooked chickpeas or quinoa will turn the salad into a hearty and nourishing main dish.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
- A refreshing lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent choices to complement the salad's flavor.

4. Can the salad be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely! The oriental salad is even more delicious the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

In conclusion, the summer oriental salad is a versatile and refreshing choice that can quickly become a family favorite. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and put your personal touch on the recipe. So, get ready to enjoy a healthy and tasty meal full of color and flavor! Enjoy your meal!