Valerian salad with ham and seeds

Valerian Salad with Ham and Seeds: A Feast of Freshness and Flavor

This valerian salad with ham and seeds is an excellent choice for a quick and delicious meal, combining simple yet flavorful ingredients. It is a recipe that can help keep your family healthy and happy, being a perfect combination of crunchy vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats. It is not just a salad, but a culinary experience that will delight your senses!

Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 container (about 150 g) valerian leaves
- 200 g serrano ham (or any preferred type of ham)
- 200 g white radish
- 1 red Kapia pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt (optional, to taste)

Preparing the salad:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the valerian leaves thoroughly under a stream of cold water. Make sure to clean them of any impurities and drain them well to avoid a watery salad. You can use a salad spinner to help remove excess water.

2. Cutting the vegetables: Slicing the white radish is an important step to add a hint of spice to the salad. Use a sharp knife and cut the radish into thin rounds or, for a more attractive look, you can opt for julienne slicing. Cut the red Kapia pepper into thin strips, which will not only add color but also a sweet and crunchy taste.

3. Sautéing the ham: This is an optional step but recommended. In a pan, add a tablespoon of sesame oil and heat gently. Add the serrano ham cut into thin strips and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until it becomes slightly crispy and releases its flavors. This step will enhance its taste and give a pleasant texture to the salad.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the valerian leaves, sliced radish, pepper strips, and sautéed ham. All these ingredients will harmoniously blend together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

5. Preparing the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the sesame oil with the lemon juice. This dressing will add a pleasant acidity to the salad and highlight the flavors of the ingredients. If desired, you can add salt to taste, but keep in mind that the ham already has a considerable salt content.

6. Finalizing the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to coat all the ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the sesame seeds on top, which will not only add an attractive look but also a crunchy touch.

7. Serving: The valerian salad with ham and seeds is delicious both as a main dish and as a side dish to various meals. It can be enjoyed immediately, or you can let the salad sit for a few minutes for the flavors to combine even better. You can serve it alongside fresh bread or as a side for grilled meat.

Useful tips for a perfect salad:
- Choosing the ingredients: Opt for fresh, seasonal vegetables, as they will taste better. Valerian is a nutritious salad, rich in vitamins and minerals, so do not hesitate to include it in your daily diet.
- Variations: You can add other ingredients according to your preferences. For example, nuts or toasted almonds can provide a different texture, while feta or parmesan cheese can add a salty and creamy flavor.
- Frequently asked questions: Is this salad suitable for vegans? If you want a vegan version, you can replace the ham with fried tofu or grilled vegetables.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Valerian contains vitamins A, C, and K, while the white radish has detoxifying properties. Serrano ham provides quality protein, and sesame seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats and fiber.

Calories: A serving of valerian salad with ham and seeds contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and ham used.

With this simple and delicious recipe, every meal will become a special occasion. So get ready to delight your taste buds and enjoy a valerian salad that not only impresses but also nourishes! It might even become your family's favorite, just as it is mine!