Tired of the traditional Olivier salad? Switch things up this New Year with this delightful Beef Layered Salad, a flavorful and festive addition to your holiday table. Packed with hearty boiled beef, fresh veggies, and the creamy tang of pickles and mayonnaise, this salad is not only satisfying but also beautifully presented in layers, making it perfect for a special occasion. Using a ring mold, you can create an elegant dish that will impress your guests while offering a delicious alternative to the usual New Year’s spread.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 300 g boiled beef, shredded
- 50 g onion, finely chopped
- 3 boiled potatoes (approximately 300 g), diced
- 3 boiled eggs, chopped
- 3 pickled cucumbers (approximately 200 g), diced
- 200 g canned green peas, drained
- 180 g boiled carrots (1-2 pieces), diced
- 120 g mayonnaise
- Salt to taste
Steps on How to Do It:
- Boil the Ingredients:
- Begin by boiling the beef until it becomes tender. This may take about 1-1.5 hours. Once cooked, let it cool and shred it into small pieces.
- While the beef is cooking, boil the potatoes, carrots, and eggs. Once they are cooked and cooled, dice the potatoes and carrots, and chop the eggs.
- Prepare the Onion:
- Finely chop the onion. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the onions in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove the sharpness, then drain and pat them dry.
- Assemble the Salad:
- To create a neat and visually appealing presentation, use a ring mold with an 18 cm diameter. You can place this directly on your serving dish.
Layer 1: Start with the shredded boiled beef. Press it gently into the mold, making an even layer. Lightly season with salt.
Layer 2: Spread the finely chopped onions over the beef layer.
Layer 3: Add the diced boiled potatoes. Season with salt to taste and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on top.
Layer 4: Add a layer of chopped boiled eggs, followed by another thin layer of mayonnaise.
Layer 5: Spread the diced pickled cucumbers evenly over the eggs.
Layer 6: Add a layer of canned green peas. You can season this layer with a pinch of salt if desired.
Layer 7: Finally, spread the diced carrots as the top layer of the salad. Finish with a final layer of mayonnaise for an even, smooth look.
- Chill the Salad:
- Once all the layers are assembled, gently press the salad down to make it compact. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time also helps the salad hold its shape when the mold is removed.
- Serve:
- Before serving, carefully remove the ring mold. Garnish the top with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, for an extra festive touch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Sugars: 4 g
Please note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I substitute beef with another protein?
- Yes, you can substitute the boiled beef with boiled chicken, turkey, or even ham for a different flavor. Smoked meats can also add a nice touch of complexity.
- How can I make this salad lighter?
- To make the salad lighter, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light sour cream-based dressing. You could also reduce the amount of mayonnaise used between the layers.
- Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
- Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the layers up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
- Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
- Absolutely! You can add layers of boiled beets or grated cheese for a variation. Beets will give the salad a beautiful color contrast and a sweet flavor, but make sure to layer them separately to prevent the color from bleeding into the other layers.
Tips on How to Make It:
- Choose Quality Beef: For the best flavor, use a cut of beef suitable for boiling, like chuck or brisket. If you want the meat to have more flavor, consider boiling it with bay leaves, peppercorns, and a few cloves of garlic.
- Layering Tip: Press each layer down gently but firmly, so the salad stays compact and holds its shape when the mold is removed. However, don’t press too hard as you want the salad to remain fluffy and light.
- Chill for Better Flavor: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour helps the flavors to blend together. The mayonnaise also sets, which helps the salad stay intact.
- Customize Your Mayonnaise: If you prefer a tangier flavor, mix the mayonnaise with a bit of Dijon mustard or lemon juice before spreading it between the layers.
Storage Tips:
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep it covered with plastic wrap to prevent the salad from drying out.
- Do Not Freeze: This salad is not suitable for freezing as the texture of the potatoes and mayonnaise will deteriorate when thawed.
- Serving Tip: If you plan to serve the salad the next day, it’s a good idea to wait to remove the mold until just before serving to ensure the salad keeps its structure.
Conclusion:
This Beef Layered Salad is the perfect alternative to the traditional Olivier salad, adding a festive yet refreshing touch to your New Year’s table. With its beautiful layers of tender boiled beef, crispy vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise, it’s a dish that’s not only eye-catching but also incredibly tasty. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a great way to impress your guests with something a little different this year.
Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s party or attending a festive gathering, this salad is sure to become a holiday favorite. Serve it alongside other festive dishes, and enjoy how the fresh, tangy flavors of the pickles and peas contrast with the richness of the beef and potatoes. So, let’s say goodbye to the classic Olivier and welcome this new take on a holiday staple!
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