Festive Layered Salad with Caramelized Onion Cream and Chantilly Potato

This festive layered salad beautifully combines a medley of flavors and textures, making it the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or gathering. The dish features a blend of tender vegetables, rich eggs, savory smoked turkey, and creamy mozzarella, all enhanced by a unique caramelized onion cream and elegantly decorated with a Chantilly potato topping. This salad is not only a delight to the palate but also a feast for the eyes, thanks to its colorful and artistic presentation.

Ingredients:

Salad:

  • 1.5 kg peeled potatoes
  • 600 grams peeled carrots
  • 9 eggs
  • Water (as needed for cooking)
  • 1 tablespoon (dessert) salt for boiling potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon (dessert) salt for boiling carrots
  • 200 grams peas
  • 1 tablespoon salt for peas
  • 150 grams smoked turkey breast
  • 150 grams mozzarella cheese
  • 10 green olives
  • 170 grams boiled corn
  • Chives, to taste

Caramelized Onion Cream:

  • 1 large onion
  • 1 tablespoon (soup) butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Shoyu sauce
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose wheat flour
  • 200 milliliters water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Chantilly Potato Decoration:

  • 400 grams potatoes, cooked
  • 50 grams Parmesan cheese
  • 100 grams cream cheese (or substitute with mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt)

Decoration:

  • Lettuce
  • Carrot
  • Red bell pepper
  • Black olives
  • Parsley, to taste
  • Capers (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cook Vegetables and Eggs: Boil the potatoes and carrots separately in salted water until tender. Hard boil the eggs. Cook the peas in salted water until tender. Allow all to cool.
  2. Prepare Caramelized Onion Cream: Thinly slice the onion. In a pan, melt butter and add onions, cooking until golden and caramelized. Add sugar and Shoyu sauce. Sprinkle with flour, stir well, then gradually add water while stirring continuously. Cook until thickened. Season with salt and let cool.
  3. Make Chantilly Potato Decoration: Mash the cooked potatoes and mix with Parmesan cheese and cream cheese until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Chop the cooked potatoes, carrots, eggs, turkey breast, and mozzarella into desired shapes and arrange on a platter with peas, olives, and corn. Garnish with chopped chives.
  5. Add Caramelized Onion Cream: Drizzle over the salad.
  6. Decorate with Chantilly Potato: Pipe around the salad in decorative patterns.
  7. Garnish: Arrange lettuce leaves, sliced carrots, red bell pepper strips, black olives, parsley, and optional capers around the salad.

 

Serving Suggestion:

This festive layered salad is best served chilled on a large platter. For a complete meal, pair it with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the varied flavors of the salad without overpowering them. Consider offering a selection of crusty bread or crackers on the side to add a satisfying crunch that contrasts the creamy textures within the salad.

Cooking Tips:

  1. Even Cooking: Ensure even cooking of the vegetables by cutting them into uniform sizes before boiling. This prevents some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain too firm.
  2. Chill the Ingredients: After cooking and before assembling the salad, chill all the ingredients. This not only helps in handling but also enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing taste upon serving.
  3. Decorative Touch: Use a star nozzle in your piping bag when creating the Chantilly potato decoration for a more elegant and professional appearance.
  4. Layering: When assembling the salad, consider the colors and textures of each layer to create a visually appealing dish. Start with a base of lettuce leaves to provide a crisp foundation.
  5. Season Appropriately: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook, especially the caramelized onion cream, which is key to the overall flavor balance of the salad.

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

  1. Complex Flavors: The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy elements makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
  2. Visual Appeal: Its vibrant colors and decorative presentation make it a feast for the eyes, perfect for special occasions.
  3. Versatility: This recipe is adaptable; you can easily substitute different vegetables or proteins depending on what’s in season or your dietary preferences.
  4. Nutritional Value: It’s packed with vegetables and protein, making it a wholesome choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
  5. Make-Ahead: Most of the preparation can be done in advance, making it an excellent option for entertaining.

The festive layered salad with caramelized onion cream and Chantilly potato is a true culinary delight that marries complex flavors with stunning presentation. Its adaptability and make-ahead convenience make it ideal for entertaining, while the fresh, quality ingredients ensure a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or celebrate a special occasion with family, this salad promises to be a showstopper that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to serve. Enjoy the process and the accolades that will surely come your way after serving this masterpiece.