Ham and Cheese Salad

Ham and Cheese Salad Recipe - Finnish Delicacy

Region / culture: Finland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This salad is packed with flavor and texture, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts. The combination of ham, cheese, vegetables, and a creamy sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

History

The origins of Ham and Cheese Salad can be traced back to Europe, where ham and cheese have long been staple ingredients in many traditional dishes. The combination of these two ingredients in a salad is a modern twist on classic flavors, creating a dish that is both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients

1 fresh cucumber (300 g)
200 g Kilta- or Oltermanni cheese
200 g grated cheese
3 pickles (300 g)
4 apples (300 g)
4 tomatoes (250 g)
5 dcl macaroni (250 g)

Sauce

3 cans of sour cream
1.5 tbsp lemon juice
1.5 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp sugar
0.75 tsp black pepper
herbs, for example parsley

How to prepare

Slice the ham, cheese, pickles, and peeled apples.
Slice the tomatoes.
Boil the macaroni in a large pot of salted water.
Rinse the cooked macaroni with cold water using a strainer.
Combine the sauce with the salad ingredients and garnish with tomato slices and chopped parsley.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein option.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the ingredients evenly to ensure a balanced bite in every forkful.

- Use a high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor.

- Boil the macaroni until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.

- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ham and Cheese Salad as a main dish for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread or a side of fresh greens.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the macaroni until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.

- Slice the ingredients evenly for a balanced texture in every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of cheese you prefer in place of Kilta- or Oltermanni cheese.

- Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble. Mix the sauce just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with fresh parsley and tomato slices for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Ham and Cheese Salad with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a complete meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Salad contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Ham and Cheese Salad is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the macaroni, apples, and pickles. Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The cheese and ham in the salad contribute to the fat content, with each serving containing around 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The ham and cheese are excellent sources of protein in this salad, providing approximately 15 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

The salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the apples and tomatoes. It also contains calcium and iron from the cheese and ham.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese), gluten (macaroni), and may contain traces of nuts (depending on the type of cheese used).

Summary

Overall, Ham and Cheese Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light meal. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this salad is a nutritious option for any occasion. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite of this delicious salad.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Ham and Cheese Salad. It was a warm summer afternoon in the small town where I grew up. My grandmother, whom we all lovingly called Nana, had invited me into her cozy kitchen to help her prepare lunch for the family. As we gathered the ingredients and started working, she began to share the story behind this particular recipe.

Nana told me that she had learned this recipe many years ago from a dear friend of hers who was a renowned chef in the town. The chef had shared his secret recipe with her during one of their cooking sessions together, and Nana had been making it ever since. She said that the combination of flavors in this salad was simply unbeatable, and it had become a family favorite over the years.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Nana guided me through the steps of making the Ham and Cheese Salad. We started by boiling the ham until it was tender and then cutting it into small pieces. Next, we chopped up some fresh vegetables – tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers – and mixed them all together in a large bowl. Nana then added in some shredded cheese and a handful of olives for an extra burst of flavor.

The dressing was a simple yet delicious blend of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and a pinch of sugar. Nana whisked it all together until it was smooth and creamy, then poured it over the salad. She gently tossed everything together until the dressing was evenly distributed, and the salad was ready to be served.

As we sat down at the table to enjoy our meal, Nana shared more stories with me about her cooking adventures over the years. She told me about the time she had traveled to a far-off country and learned how to make a traditional dish from the locals, or the time she had hosted a dinner party and impressed her guests with a new recipe she had created on the spot.

I listened intently as Nana spoke, soaking up every detail of her culinary experiences. I could see the passion and joy in her eyes as she talked about her love for cooking and sharing her creations with others. It was clear to me that cooking was not just a hobby for Nana – it was a way of life, a way to connect with others and create memories that would last a lifetime.

As I finished the last bite of the Ham and Cheese Salad, I felt a sense of gratitude for the time I had spent with Nana in the kitchen. Not only had I learned a new recipe that day, but I had also gained a deeper appreciation for the art of cooking and the power of sharing food with loved ones. I knew that I would always cherish the memories of that summer afternoon spent cooking with my grandmother, and the delicious Ham and Cheese Salad that we had created together.