Salpicão Salad

Salpicão Salad Recipe - A classic Brazilian dish with chicken, ham, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salpicão Salad is a popular Brazilian dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This salad is made with a combination of chicken, ham, vegetables, and mayonnaise, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.

History

Salpicão Salad has its origins in Brazil, where it is commonly served as a side dish or a main course. The name "salpicão" comes from the Portuguese word "salpicar," which means to sprinkle or scatter. This salad is known for its colorful and flavorful ingredients, making it a favorite among many Brazilians.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) chicken breast
4 thin slices of ham
0.5 cup drained green peas
1 cup chopped hearts of palm
2 large carrots
3 cups shoestring potato fries
1 green apple
1 cup mayonnaise

How to prepare

Cook the chicken breast with salt, then drain and cut it into 0.25 inch cubes.
Coarsely grate the carrots and cut the ham slices into fine strings.
Peel, remove the core, and cut the green apple into 0.25 inch cubes.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, ham strings, drained peas, chopped hearts of palm, grated raw carrots, and diced apple.
Mix all the ingredients together while adding the cup of mayonnaise.

Variations

You can add raisins or olives for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the chicken with turkey or tuna for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken breast thoroughly before cutting it into cubes.

- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of herbs and spices before cooking.

- Make sure to drain the green peas well before adding them to the salad to prevent excess moisture.

- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables or fruits to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Salpicão Salad as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main course with crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat.

- Mix the ingredients gently to avoid crushing the vegetables and fruits.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breast.

- Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and mix them together just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Salpicão Salad in a large bowl garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Salpicão Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a meal.

Summary

Salpicão Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of chicken, ham, vegetables, and mayonnaise, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Salpicão Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her small village in Portugal. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills and was always eager to share her recipes with me.

As soon as I walked into Maria's kitchen, I was hit with the delicious aroma of spices and herbs. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she excitedly told me that she was going to teach me how to make her famous Salpicão Salad.

I had never heard of Salpicão Salad before, but I was eager to learn. Maria explained that Salpicão Salad was a traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded chicken, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. She told me that it was a favorite among her family and friends, and she was sure that I would love it too.

Maria guided me through the process of making the salad, from boiling and shredding the chicken to chopping the vegetables and mixing the dressing. As we worked together in the kitchen, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make Salpicão Salad.

She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family. Her grandmother had taught her how to make it when she was just a young girl, and she had been making it ever since. Maria explained that each family had their own version of the recipe, with slight variations in ingredients and seasonings.

Maria also told me that she had learned different versions of the recipe from her friends and neighbors over the years. She had traveled all over Portugal, sampling different variations of Salpicão Salad and adding her own twist to create the perfect recipe.

As we finished making the salad, Maria handed me a plate and a fork. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The creamy dressing, the tender chicken, the crunchy vegetables – it was a symphony of tastes and textures that I had never experienced before.

I told Maria that her Salpicão Salad was the best I had ever tasted, and she beamed with pride. She told me that she was happy to pass on the recipe to me, so that I could share it with my own family and friends.

Since that day in Maria's kitchen, I have made Salpicão Salad countless times. I have shared it with my family and friends, who all agree that it is a truly special dish. I have made some adjustments to the recipe, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to make it my own.

I have also taught my own grandchildren how to make Salpicão Salad, passing on the tradition that Maria started so many years ago. I hope that they will continue to make it for generations to come, sharing the story of how this delicious recipe came to be a part of our family's culinary heritage.

As I sit here now, thinking back on that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of her friendship and the joy of discovering a new recipe that has brought so much happiness to my loved ones. Salpicão Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.