Classic Romanian Beef Salad

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cooked and finely diced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cooked and finely diced
• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and diced 3 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, boiled and diced 2 medium carrots, boiled and diced
• 150g (5.3 oz) peas, boiled 150g (5.3 oz) peas, boiled
• 100g (3.5 oz) pickles, finely diced 100g (3.5 oz) pickles, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped 3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
• 200g (7 oz) mayonnaise 200g (7 oz) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, onion, and hard-boiled eggs.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. 5.
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Be careful not to overcook the potatoes as they can become mushy. It's best to boil them until they are just tender enough to be easily diced.
• Pickles — Use high-quality pickles for the best flavor. Look for pickles that are crunchy and have a good balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as corn or green beans.
• Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce for an extra touch of freshness.
• Make sure to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Serving advice

Salată de boeuf is typically served as an appetizer or a side dish. It pairs well with crusty bread or crackers. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for an added pop of color.

Presentation advice

To make the salad visually appealing, arrange it in a mound shape on a platter. You can also use a ring mold to create a neat and uniform shape. Garnish with slices of hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and a sprinkle of paprika for an elegant touch.