The A La Rousse Salad, also known as “Salata à la Russe,” is a popular Romanian dish that has its origins in Russian cuisine. It’s a cold appetizer or salad that typically includes a mix of vegetables, meats, and mayonnaise. The salad has a rich and creamy texture, and it’s often served during festive occasions or special gatherings.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and diced potatoes
- 1 cup cooked and diced carrots
- 1 cup cooked and diced peas
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken or ham
- 1 cup diced pickles (cucumbers)
- 1/2 cup cooked and diced green beans
- 1/2 cup diced cooked sausages (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced apples (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Recipe Instructions:
- Start by cooking the potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, and any meats you’re using. Make sure they’re cooked but still firm. Allow them to cool before dicing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, peas, chicken or ham, pickles, green beans, sausages, and diced apples.
- Add mayonnaise to the mixture and gently fold everything together until well coated. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as pickles and sausages can be salty.
- Once the salad is well mixed and seasoned, transfer it to a serving dish.
- Garnish the salad with chopped fresh dill or parsley to add a burst of freshness and color.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together.
Preparation Time:
- Cooking and preparing ingredients: Approximately 45 minutes
- Chilling time: Several hours or overnight
The A La Rousse Salad is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings together a variety of ingredients to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a versatile recipe, so feel free to customize it according to your preferences. Enjoy sharing this traditional Romanian dish with your friends and family!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for A La Rousse Salad:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate values):
- Calories: ~250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: ~15-20g
- Saturated Fat: ~2-3g
- Cholesterol: ~20-30mg
- Sodium: ~300-400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~20-25g
- Dietary Fiber: ~3-5g
- Sugars: ~4-6g
- Protein: ~8-10g
- Vitamin A: ~20-25% DV (Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: ~15-20% DV
- Calcium: ~4-6% DV
- Iron: ~8-10% DV
Health Information:
- A La Rousse Salad is a relatively balanced dish that includes a variety of vegetables and proteins, which can provide essential nutrients.
- The mayonnaise used in the salad contributes to its creamy texture but also adds calories and fat. Opt for a lighter version or use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
- The salad contains dietary fiber from vegetables, which can aid in digestion and help you feel fuller for longer.
- The inclusion of protein from chicken, ham, and sausages adds to the satiety factor and supports muscle health.
- The salad provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and some calcium and iron.
- Due to the presence of pickles and sausages, the salad may be moderately high in sodium. Be mindful if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- Adding apples to the salad introduces natural sweetness and additional dietary fiber.
- To make the salad even healthier, consider using lean protein sources, reducing the amount of mayonnaise, and increasing the proportion of vegetables.
Remember that actual nutrition values can vary based on portion sizes, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, it’s a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized advice.
