Snejanka salad
Snejanka Salad Recipe - Traditional Bulgarian Dish with Cucumber, Garlic, Salt, Olive Oil, and Dill
Introduction
Snejanka salad, also known as "Snow White Salad," is a traditional Bulgarian dish that is light, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. This creamy and tangy salad is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill, creating a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal.
History
Snejanka salad has been a popular dish in Bulgaria for many years, with its origins dating back to traditional Bulgarian cuisine. The name "Snejanka" translates to "Snow White," which is fitting for this white and creamy salad. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer during family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Peel the cucumber using a potato peeler. Chop it into small pieces. Squeeze the cucumber between your hands to remove excess water. Season with salt. Add the chopped garlic, olive oil, and dill. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Next, add the yogurt and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Variations
- Add chopped fresh mint or parsley for extra flavor.
- Mix in some chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to squeeze the excess water out of the cucumber before adding it to the salad to prevent it from becoming too watery.
- Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and dill to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing and delicious dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Snejanka salad as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
- Enjoy it as a light and refreshing meal on its own.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use Greek yogurt instead of traditional Bulgarian yogurt for a thicker consistency.
- Substitute lemon juice for the olive oil for a tangier flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Snejanka salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh dill or cucumber slices.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Snejanka salad with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze as the texture may become watery when thawed.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
120 per serving
Carbohydrates
10g per serving
Fats
5g per serving
Proteins
8g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Snejanka salad is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and potassium.
Alergens
Allergens: Dairy
Summary
Snejanka salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in protein and calcium. It is a great option for those looking for a light and healthy meal.
Summary
Snejanka salad is a classic Bulgarian dish that is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. With its creamy yogurt base, crunchy cucumber, and aromatic dill, this salad is a perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal for a taste of traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Olga for lunch. Olga was a wonderful cook, and she always had the most delicious dishes on her table. As we sat down to eat, she brought out a beautiful salad that immediately caught my eye. It was a colorful mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and feta cheese, all tossed in a light and tangy dressing. Olga called it Snejanka salad, and I could tell just by looking at it that it was going to be something special.
I took my first bite and was immediately hooked. The flavors were so fresh and vibrant, and the combination of ingredients was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I begged Olga for the recipe, and she happily obliged. She told me that Snejanka salad was a traditional Bulgarian dish, named after a beautiful mountain in the Balkans. The salad was meant to evoke the colors and flavors of the mountain, with its bright red tomatoes, crisp green cucumbers, and creamy white feta cheese.
I knew that I had to make this salad for my family. I rushed home and gathered all the ingredients I needed. I chopped the vegetables, crumbled the feta cheese, and whisked together the dressing. As I tossed everything together in a large bowl, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I had learned a new recipe, and I couldn't wait to share it with my loved ones.
When I served the Snejanka salad to my family that evening, they were blown away. They couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious and beautiful. My husband even went back for seconds, which was a rare occurrence. From that day on, Snejanka salad became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over or needed a quick and healthy side dish, I would whip up a batch of the salad and watch as everyone's faces lit up with delight.
Over the years, I have made Snejanka salad countless times. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon at Olga's house, where I first fell in love with this dish.
I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that I am known for throughout the community. People often ask me for the recipe, and I am always happy to pass it along, knowing that they will enjoy it just as much as I do.
As I sit here, reflecting on the journey I have taken with Snejanka salad, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for Olga, who introduced me to this wonderful dish. Gratitude for the joy it has brought to my family and friends. And gratitude for the memories I have created in the kitchen, preparing this salad with love and care.
I may have learned how to make Snejanka salad from someone else, but it has truly become my own. It is a recipe that I cherish and hold dear, one that will always have a special place in my heart. And I know that whenever I make it, I am honoring the tradition and culture from which it comes, keeping it alive for generations to come.
Categories
| Bulgarian Recipes | Bulgarian Salads | Clove Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Dill Recipes | Potato Recipes | Slavic Recipes |