Welcome! At Paulina Cocina, we love salads so much that we even have a dedicated section for them in the recipes section. They can be fresh, have many textures, contain cooked ingredients... everything! This country salad is a traditional grandmother's recipe , one that's passed down from generation to generation, and every family home doesn't have a version of this salad, considered a summer salad.
But it's also so versatile that it can be adapted to personal tastes and regional preferences, which is why there are so many versions. Some people may add other ingredients or adjust the vinaigrette according to their own family recipes.
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About the country salad
What is country salad?
The country salad is a traditional culinary preparation in several regions, especially in Spain . Although there may be variations depending on the region or the chef, in general, the country salad is a combination of fresh ingredients typically served cold and perfect for summer.
Below is an overview of common ingredients typically included in a traditional country salad:
- Potatoes : They are the base of the country salad and are cut into cubes or slices and cooked to perfection.
- Peppers : Peppers, both red and green, are usually roasted or fried and then cut into strips.
- Onion : Generally, red onion or spring onion is used, finely chopped to add a touch of flavor.
- Tomatoes : Ripe and juicy tomatoes, diced or sliced, are added.
- Olives: Pitted black or green olives add flavor and texture to the salad.
- Eggs : Hard-boiled eggs, quartered or sliced, are also common in this salad.
- Tuna : In some variations, canned tuna is added for added protein.
- Olive oil and vinegar : These ingredients are used to dress the salad, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Origin and characteristics of this grandmother's recipe
The country salad originates from Spain , where it has been passed down through generations as a typical regional recipe. Its popularity has spread to other regions with different variations and names.
The main ingredients of a country salad typically include potatoes, peppers, onions, tomatoes, olives, and, in some versions, tuna. Other ingredients can also be added, such as hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, green beans, or capers.
Country salad is prepared by chopping and cooking the ingredients, then tossing them with a vinaigrette or dressing made with olive oil and vinegar. It's common to chop the ingredients coarsely, which gives the salad a rustic appearance.
Why should we eat salad in general and country salad in particular?
This salad is ideal for the hot months, as it's refreshing and nutritious. The country salad is a healthy and balanced option , combining vegetables, protein, and healthy fats from olive oil. It's a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Due to its simplicity and delicious flavor, the country salad has gained popularity not only in Spain but also in other countries where Mediterranean cuisine and fresh, healthy preparations are appreciated.
The country salad is ideal for the summer season, as it's made with fresh, seasonal ingredients that are available during that time of year. It typically includes a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, and sometimes proteins like chicken, tuna, or shrimp.
Do you want to know more about the country salad?
Although the country salad is known throughout Spain, its origins are more closely linked to the Andalusian region in the south of the country. However, it has become popular in different areas and varies according to region.
Unlike many salads, the country salad doesn't include lettuce among its main ingredients. It focuses on potatoes as a base, along with other vegetables and proteins.
The name "campera" comes from the word " campo " or " campero ," indicating that this salad originated as a typical meal for farm workers. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it a practical option to take on excursions or outdoor activities.
In many regions of Spain, country salad is a very common dish during festivities and outdoor events, such as fairs, pilgrimages, and local festivals.
The typical dressing for country salad is usually made with extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Herbs such as parsley or oregano can also be added to enhance the flavor.
Benefits of eating salads all year round
Recommended by nutritionists, doctors, and sports medicine specialists, salads are so adaptable that they offer many different benefits. According to chefs, they must have a variety of textures and temperatures to give us a complete experience in our mouths. Therefore, we recommend creating salad recipes and learning the basics to make the best ones.
I'm off and leaving you with the recipe for the prettiest salad in the universe. Bye! See you next time.
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Traditional country salad recipe
Yield : 4 portions
Preparation time : 1 hour
Ingredients
- 500 gr of potatoes
- 1 green pepper
- 1 red pepper
- 1 purple onion
- 2 mature tomatoes
- 100 gr of green or black olives
- 2 cooked eggs
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Wine vinegar (preferably)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to make traditional country salad
- Wash the potatoes well and cut them into cubes or slices of similar size. Boil them in salted water until tender but still firm. Drain and let cool.
- Wash, clean the insides, and cut the peppers into thin strips. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Wash and dice the tomatoes. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them into quarters or slices.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes with the peppers, onion, tomatoes, and olives. Prepare the dressing by mixing extra virgin olive oil with wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss. Garnish the salad with the hard-boiled egg quarters or slices. Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salad for a touch of flavor and color.
- Refrigerate the country salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend and allow it to cool properly.
