Savoury Salad à la Française

Savoury Salad à la Française Recipe - A French Delight

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Savoury Salad à la Française is a delicious and hearty salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a tangy mustard dressing. It is a classic French dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe has its roots in French cuisine, where salads are often enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal. The combination of ingredients in this salad, such as bacon, eggs, and mustard dressing, creates a unique and flavorful dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

1 large potato
2 eggs
6 – 8 slices bacon
0.5 red pepper, finely chopped
4 mushrooms, sliced (preferably chestnut)
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 cm length cucumbers, finely chopped
3 – 4 tbsp olive oil
1 – 2 tsp mustard
200 g mixed salad greens
2 tbsp chives, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Wash the potato and cut it into small wedges.
Boil the potato until it is just tender, then let it cool.
At the same time, boil the eggs until they are hard boiled (about 10 minutes).
Meanwhile, fry the bacon until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Once the bacon is cooked, use the fat in the pan to cook the mushrooms and onions.
Set the mushrooms and onions aside when they are done.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and mustard.
Add the cucumber, half of the herbs, and the garlic to the bowl.
When the eggs are cooked, peel them and let them cool.
When all the ingredients have cooled, take a large bowl and add the lettuce, along with everything else prepared up to this point except the eggs.
Use your hands to mix the salad, ensuring that the dressing coats everything.
Divide the salad evenly into two bowls.
Cut the eggs into four wedges each and use them as a garnish.
Sprinkle the remaining herbs on top and serve with a touch of pepper, if desired.

Variations

Add some cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and nutrients.
Substitute the bacon with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Use a different type of mustard or vinegar in the dressing for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy to add a nice crunch to the salad.

- Make sure to let the potatoes and eggs cool before adding them to the salad to prevent wilting of the greens.

- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in this salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a crusty baguette or a side of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes and eggs until they are just tender to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.

- Fry the bacon until it is crispy to add a nice crunch to the salad.

- Use your hands to mix the salad to ensure that the dressing coats everything evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of lettuce or mixed greens in place of the salad greens.

- Substitute the red pepper with any other color pepper for a different flavor.

- Use any type of mushroom in place of the chestnut mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to add the eggs and herbs right before serving to keep them fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with extra herbs and a sprinkle of pepper for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 350 calories, making it a relatively light and healthy meal option.

Carbohydrates

This salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the main sources being the potato and cucumber. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main sources of fat in this salad come from the bacon and olive oil used in the dressing. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The main sources of protein in this salad come from the eggs and bacon. Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. The fresh vegetables and herbs provide a good dose of essential nutrients.

Alergens

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

Summary

Overall, this salad is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Savoury Salad à la Française is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and hard-boiled eggs, this salad is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors and textures. Enjoy this classic French dish for a taste of the Mediterranean at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Savoury Salad à la Française. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. She had a collection of recipes that she had gathered over the years, and this particular one caught my eye.

I remember the day vividly. It was a warm summer afternoon, and my mother and I were in the kitchen preparing dinner. As she busied herself with chopping vegetables and simmering sauces, I stood by her side, watching intently. That's when I noticed a tattered old cookbook tucked away in the corner of the pantry. Intrigued, I picked it up and began leafing through the pages.

As I flipped through the yellowed and stained pages, my eyes landed on a recipe titled "Savoury Salad à la Française." The ingredients listed were simple yet elegant – crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The description promised a dish that was fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. I was hooked.

I turned to my mother, my excitement bubbling over. "Can we make this salad, Mama?" I asked eagerly. She glanced over at the recipe and smiled knowingly. "Of course, my dear," she said, her eyes twinkling. "I learned this recipe from a French friend of mine many years ago. It's a classic, and I think you'll love it."

And so, we set to work. My mother guided me through each step, teaching me how to wash and tear the lettuce leaves, dice the tomatoes, and chop the herbs. She showed me how to whisk together the vinaigrette, balancing the flavors of tangy vinegar, fruity olive oil, and aromatic garlic. As we worked side by side, the kitchen filled with the scents of fresh herbs and vegetables, a fragrant symphony of flavors.

Finally, the salad was ready. We arranged the vibrant ingredients on a large platter, drizzling the vinaigrette over the top and garnishing it with a sprinkle of cheese. I couldn't wait to taste it. With a fork in hand, I took my first bite – and it was like a burst of sunshine in my mouth. The flavors were bright and crisp, the textures crunchy and refreshing. I was in love.

From that day on, Savoury Salad à la Française became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over for dinner, I would proudly present the dish, watching as their faces lit up with delight. The salad became synonymous with my cooking style – fresh, flavorful, and made with love.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. I experimented with different types of lettuce, swapped out the tomatoes for seasonal fruits, and even tried making my own homemade croutons. Each iteration was a delicious adventure, a celebration of the joys of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe down to my own daughter, just as my mother had done for me. I shared the story of how I had discovered the recipe, the memories of that warm summer afternoon in the kitchen with my mother by my side. And as my daughter made the salad for the first time, I saw the same spark of curiosity and excitement in her eyes that had once ignited mine.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that led me to this beloved recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the simple joys that cooking has brought into my life. The memories of learning to make Savoury Salad à la Française with my mother will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and connection that food can inspire.

And so, I continue to cherish this recipe, passing it down through the generations and sharing it with all who gather around my table. For in every bite of this fresh, vibrant salad, I taste the flavors of tradition, family, and the joy of cooking that has shaped me into the cook I am today.