The Prince Salad is a hearty, layered dish made with tender beef, tangy pickled cucumbers, rich cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. This flavorful salad is perfect for special occasions or family gatherings and offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) boiled meat (beef or your preferred cut)
- 300 g (10.5 oz) pickled cucumbers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 3 eggs, hard-boiled
- 150 g (5.3 oz) cheese (such as Gouda, Cheddar, or your choice)
- 80 g (2.8 oz) walnuts
- Mayonnaise, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pickled Cucumbers
- Begin by cutting the 300 g of pickled cucumbers into small pieces. Place them in a sieve to remove any excess moisture. For best results, press the cucumbers slightly to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This will ensure that the salad layers remain firm and not soggy.
2. Boil and Shred the Meat
- Boil 300 g of beef in salted water until fully cooked and tender, about 45-60 minutes depending on the cut of meat. Once cooked, allow the meat to cool slightly before using your fingers or a fork to pull it apart into fine fibers.
- Place the shredded beef in a culinary ring or salad mold as the first layer. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the beef to add moisture and flavor.
3. Add the Cucumber Layer
- Grate 2 garlic cloves using a fine grater and mix them with the prepared cucumbers. Ensure that the cucumbers are drained one last time before placing them on top of the beef layer.
- Spread the cucumber and garlic mixture evenly over the beef, creating a second layer.
4. Prepare the Eggs
- Hard-boil 3 eggs (approximately 8-10 minutes), then peel and grate them using the smallest setting on your grater.
- Place the grated eggs over the cucumber layer, spreading them evenly.
- Coat this layer with mayonnaise, using just enough to lightly cover the eggs.
5. Add the Cheese Layer
- Finely grate 150 g of cheese and spread it on top of the egg layer, distributing it evenly. The cheese adds richness and creaminess to the salad.
- Again, lightly spread mayonnaise over the cheese layer.
6. Top with Walnuts
- Finely grind 80 g of walnuts in a blender or food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crushed walnuts generously over the top layer of cheese and mayonnaise to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
7. Serve
- Once assembled, the Prince Salad can be chilled for an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- To serve, gently remove the culinary ring if used, and enjoy this savory, layered salad as part of a celebratory meal or family dinner.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Conclusion
The Prince Salad is a decadent, layered dish that combines the savory richness of beef, the tang of pickled cucumbers, and the creaminess of cheese and mayonnaise. The addition of garlic and walnuts brings depth and texture, making this salad a standout addition to any meal. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s sure to impress your guests with its balanced flavors and beautiful presentation.