Summer Oriental Salad

Summer Oriental Salad – A Refreshing Delicacy for Hot Days

A summer oriental salad is the perfect choice for hot days when you want something fresh, nutritious, and delicious. This simple and quick salad recipe will not only cool you down but also delight your taste buds. Additionally, the potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and soft cheese blend perfectly, offering an explosion of flavors and textures. Let’s discover together how to prepare this tasty salad, step by step!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g small new potatoes
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 boiled egg
- 1 red or white onion (to taste)
- 150 g light mozzarella
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic or wine vinegar (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Practical Tip: Choose new potatoes, as they have a finer texture and a sweeter flavor. Buy seasonal tomatoes for a more intense and sweeter taste.

Step by Step:

1. Boil the potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Then, place them in a pot, cover with water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Boil the potatoes for 20-30 minutes or until they are tender but not falling apart. Check with a fork; if it goes in easily, the potatoes are done.

2. Prepare the vegetables:
While the potatoes are boiling, peel the onion and slice it thinly. Cut the cucumbers into rounds or sticks, depending on your preference. Drain the mozzarella and cut it into cubes. The boiled egg, once cooled, is also diced into small cubes.

3. Mix the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the onion, cucumbers, mozzarella, and boiled egg. When the potatoes are cooked and slightly cooled, peel them (if desired) and cut them into suitable cubes. Add them to the bowl with the vegetables.

4. Season the salad:
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, add the olive oil and vinegar. If you want a creamy note, add the mayonnaise at this stage. Mix everything gently so that the ingredients combine without breaking apart.

5. Let it cool:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld.

6. Serving:
The summer oriental salad can be served both as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, and as a main course, especially on hot days. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a slice of fresh bread.

Tips and Variations:
- If you want to add extra flavor, try adding olives or diced red bell pepper.
- For a fresh accent, add a few fresh basil leaves or parsley.
- Substitute mozzarella with feta for a saltier, more flavorful variant.

Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, onions and cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals, while mozzarella adds a healthy dose of protein. The boiled egg contributes to the intake of proteins and healthy fats. In total, a serving has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add grated carrots or green peas for extra color and texture.
- How can I make the mayonnaise lighter? You can use light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Can this salad be made in advance? Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

A summer oriental salad is ideal for gatherings with friends or outdoor picnics. Enjoy it and let your imagination run wild by experimenting with your favorite ingredients! Bon appétit!