Oriental salad

Oriental salad with steamed potatoes and celery sauce: a savory and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

If you are looking for a healthy salad, full of flavors and easy to prepare, you have come to the right place! This oriental salad with steamed potatoes is a modern and healthier version of the classic recipe, thanks to the cooking method of the potatoes and the celery sauce, which gives it a unique taste.

The history of the oriental salad is an old one, being appreciated in many cultures as a versatile dish, easy to make, perfect for warm summer days or as a side dish to various main courses. In this recipe, the steamed potatoes retain their firm texture and intense flavor, while the celery sauce adds a fresh and healthy note.

Ingredients:
- 500 g red potatoes (preferably, as they have a more pronounced taste)
- 1 small onion, red or white, to taste
- 100 g celery (approximately a piece of 10 cm)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g black olives, pitted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the potatoes:
- Start by peeling the red potatoes and cutting them in half or quarters, depending on their size. Smaller potatoes can be left whole.
- Use a steamer basket (if you have one from Ikea, it's excellent!). Place the potatoes in the basket and fill a pot with water, ensuring it does not touch the potatoes.
- Place the basket with the potatoes over the pot and let them steam for about 20 minutes until tender but not too soft. Cook with a lid on top to keep the steam.

2. Preparing the sauce:
- While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the sauce. Use a mini food processor or blender to combine the celery, onion, olive oil, and parsley. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking. This sauce is not only perfect for our salad but can also be used as a dip for fresh vegetables, bringing an unmistakable flavor.

3. Assembling the salad:
- After the potatoes have steamed, let them cool slightly, then cut them into cubes.
- In a large bowl, add the potato cubes, finely chopped onion, black olives, and celery sauce. Gently mix to avoid mashing the potatoes but just to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

4. Serving:
- The salad can be served immediately, but it is even better if you let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- You can accompany it with a slice of whole-grain bread or a glass of white wine, which will perfectly complement the warm and aromatic taste of the salad.

Useful tips:
- Red potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe, but if you don't have them on hand, you can also use other types of potatoes. Just make sure they are fresh and of good quality.
- Feel free to experiment with other ingredients! You can add boiled carrots or bell peppers for an even more varied taste and texture.
- If you want a spicier sauce, you can add a teaspoon of mustard or a bit of hot pepper.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This oriental salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, celery provides fiber, and olives add healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower or canola oil, but the taste will be different.

- How can I make the salad more substantial?
Add some chopped hard-boiled eggs or canned tuna for an extra protein boost.

- What is the best time to serve this salad?
It is perfect both as an appetizer and as a side dish to meat or fish main courses.

Experiment with this recipe and let your creativity soar! The oriental salad with steamed potatoes and celery sauce is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your tastes. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite!