French salad | Francuska salata

This is possibly one of the easiest recipes in the world and possibly one of the tastiest. In Croatia it’s called French salad but in other countries it’s known as Russian or Olivier salad.

The only problem is that it’s not the most presentable and Instagram-friendly dish. It’s not sexy, hence some people put it into one large mould or individual moulds for serving to make it look a bit more special. But that’s kind of too much work (atleast for me!) so I just present mine the old-fashioned way ie. scooped into a serving bowl.

Depending on health issues and not wanting to make it too heavy, feel free to not use as much potato, or swap half the potato for carrots or peas to get more (non-starchy) vegetables in. But when making a French salad, our (my cousin in Kutina) secret ingredient is raw apple. Some recipes call for you to boil the apple, but don’t do it! Raw is so much better and adds a delicious crunchy texture.

This makes enough for four and it can be served with any grilled or roasted meat including beef, pork and it’s super with chicken.

Ingredients (for the salad):

• 250 grams frozen peas
• 200 grams whole boiled potato (skins removed)
• 100 grams gherkins
• 2 stalks of celery
• 200 grams of carrot
• Three (3) hard boiled eggs
• One (1) green apple, skin removed

(For the dressing)

• 300 grams of whole egg mayonnaise
• 20 ml lemon juice
• One (1) tablespoon smooth mustard
• white pepper (to taste)
• salt (to taste)

Method:

1. Finely chop all the ingredients for the salad into cubes. Put aside the boiled potato, gherkins, eggs and green apple.
2. Boil three litres of water in a medium saucepan, add the peas and boil until tender. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 10 minutes. If you want the carrots and celery to be crunchier leave them to boil for 5 minutes.
3. Combine the dressing ingredients.
4. Combine all the ingredients and dressing in a large bowl and refrigerate for about two hours until cool or overnight to let the flavours absorb, and serve.

It’s as easy as that!

Let me know if you tried it and how it went!

Dobar Tek! Zivjeli! (Bon Appétit! Cheers and let’s live!)