Coachman's Salad

Coachman's Salad Recipe from Austria - Bologna, Green Beans, Eggs, and More

Region / culture: Austria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Coachman's Salad is a classic dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and a creamy dressing that brings all the flavors together. It is a great option for a quick and easy meal that is both delicious and nutritious.

History

Coachman's Salad has been a popular dish for many years, originating in Eastern Europe. It was traditionally made with simple ingredients that were readily available to coachmen traveling on long journeys. The salad was easy to prepare and provided a satisfying and filling meal for those on the road.

Ingredients

Dressing

1 tub of sour cream
1 tbsp of mayonnaise
some vinegar
some sugar
salt and pepper (if you want to add salt and pepper - but only for discussing this delicious coachman's salad)
2 bunches of chives

How to prepare

Mix the ingredients for the dressing in a separate bowl.
Wash the green beans, blanch them, and then chill them. Drain the water from the green beans.
Slice the bologna sausage, cucumber, and eggs.
Slice the red pepper and onion into smaller pieces.
Arrange the sliced ingredients and green beans on a dish. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad when serving.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitute the sausage with grilled chicken or tofu for a lighter option.
Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier dressing alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blanch the green beans before adding them to the salad to ensure they are tender but still crisp.

- Chill the green beans after blanching to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant green color.

- Slice the ingredients evenly to ensure a balanced bite in every forkful of salad.

- Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference, adding more or less sour cream and mayonnaise as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Coachman's Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. It is perfect for a picnic or potluck and can be enjoyed year-round.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the green beans before adding them to the salad helps to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Be sure to chill the green beans after blanching to stop the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize Coachman's Salad with your favorite vegetables and proteins. You can also adjust the dressing to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less sour cream and mayonnaise.

Make Ahead Tips

Coachman's Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then combine them when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced ingredients and green beans on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving for a fresh and vibrant look.

Pairing Recommendations

Coachman's Salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or a crusty baguette. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Coachman's Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Coachman's Salad contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Coachman's Salad primarily come from the green beans, cucumber, and dressing. These carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

The fats in Coachman's Salad come from the sour cream, mayonnaise, and sausage. While fats are often demonized, they are an important part of a balanced diet and provide essential nutrients for the body.

Proteins

The protein in Coachman's Salad comes from the sausage and hard-boiled eggs. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and wellness.

Vitamins and minerals

Coachman's Salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and eggs. These nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system, strong bones, and overall well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Coachman's Salad is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Coachman's Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side alongside your favorite grilled meats or fish.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was at a small roadside cafe, tucked away in the countryside where I had stopped for a quick bite to eat while on a road trip. The cafe was run by an elderly couple who had been serving up delicious homemade meals for decades.

As I sat at a cozy table by the window, savoring every bite of my meal, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation at the table next to me. The couple was discussing their famous Coachman's Salad, a dish that had been passed down through generations in their family. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with them and they were kind enough to share the recipe with me.

The ingredients were simple and few – just fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette dressing. But what truly set this salad apart was the secret ingredient – a sprinkle of crushed pecans that added a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

As I watched the couple prepare the salad, I was struck by the care and attention to detail they put into each step. It was clear that this recipe was more than just a meal – it was a labor of love, a tradition that had been handed down through the generations.

After enjoying my meal, I bid farewell to the couple and continued on my journey. But the memory of that Coachman's Salad stayed with me, lingering in my mind long after I had left the cafe. I knew that I had to recreate it in my own kitchen, to share with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made the Coachman's Salad countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends at potlucks and family gatherings, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

But no matter how many times I make it, the salad always brings me back to that cozy cafe in the countryside, where I first discovered the magic of simple, homemade cooking. It reminds me of the importance of tradition and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

And so, whenever I prepare the Coachman's Salad, I do so with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude for the kind couple who shared their recipe with me that day. It may just be a simple salad, but to me, it represents so much more – a connection to the past, a celebration of family and tradition, and a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together.