When it comes to celebrating special occasions, the right dish can make all the difference. This beautiful salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Combining hearty vegetables, tender smoked turkey, creamy cheese, and a luscious caramelized onion cream, this salad is a showstopper. Topped with decadent Chantilly potatoes and a vibrant array of decorations, it’s perfect for impressing your guests. Let’s dive into this unique and flavorful salad recipe!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1.5 kg peeled potatoes
- 600 grams peeled carrots
- 9 eggs
- Water (as needed)
- 1 tbsp salt (for cooking potatoes)
- 1 tbsp salt (for cooking carrots)
- 200 grams peas
- 1 tbsp salt (for cooking peas)
- 150 grams smoked turkey breast, diced
- 150 grams mozzarella cheese, diced
- 10 green olives, sliced
- 170 grams boiled corn
- Chives to taste, finely chopped
For the Cream of Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp butter (50 grams)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp shoyu sauce (soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 200 ml water
- 1 tsp salt
For the Decoration Mashed Potatoes (Chantilly Potatoes):
- 400 grams potatoes (cooked in water)
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 100 grams cream cheese (can be replaced with mayonnaise, sour cream, or natural yogurt)
For Decoration (Suggestions):
- Lettuce leaves
- Shredded carrot
- Pout pepper
- Black olives
- Fresh parsley to taste
- Capers (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Boil the peeled potatoes and carrots separately in salted water until tender. Drain and let them cool.
- Boil the peas in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Hard-boil the eggs, cool them in cold water, then peel and chop them.
- Dice and Mix:
- Dice the cooked potatoes, carrots, smoked turkey breast, and mozzarella cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, smoked turkey, mozzarella, boiled peas, boiled corn, and chopped eggs. Mix well.
- Add the sliced green olives and chives to the salad mixture. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cream of Caramelized Onions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Introduce the sliced onion and sauté until it reaches a golden brown and caramelized state, which should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Top of Form
- Bottom of Form
- Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Add the shoyu sauce to the caramelized onions, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to create a thick paste.
- Gradually add the water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the sauce reaches a thicker consistency, which should take around 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, then remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
- Combine with Salad:
- Pour the caramelized onion cream over the salad mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the salad to your serving dish or bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Chantilly Potatoes
- Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Mash the cooked potatoes until smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (or your chosen substitute) until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
- Pipe the Potatoes:
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe the mashed potatoes around the edges of the salad to create a beautiful border.
Step 4: Decorate and Serve
- Decorate the Salad:
- Arrange lettuce leaves around the salad for a fresh, green base.
- Add shredded carrot, pout pepper, black olives, parsley, and capers as desired for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
- Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Conclusion
This exquisite salad is truly an explosion of flavors, perfect for making any special occasion memorable. With its combination of tender vegetables, savory smoked turkey, creamy cheeses, and the rich sweetness of caramelized onions, every bite is a delightful experience. The Chantilly potatoes add an elegant touch, making this salad not just a dish, but a centerpiece. Share this beautiful creation with your loved ones, and watch as it becomes a beloved tradition at your gatherings.