Beef Salad (Salata de Boeuf) – A Traditional Romanian Delight!
This classic Romanian salad is a staple at Christmas, Easter, and special celebrations. It’s made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, pickles, and peas, all mixed with mayonnaise and mustard for a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this traditional recipe is loved for its rich flavor and festive presentation.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef (chuck roast, brisket, or stewing beef)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3-4 pickles, finely diced
- ½ cup peas (frozen or canned, drained)
For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cook the Beef:
Boil beef in salted water for 2 hours until fork-tender.
Alternatively, use an Instant Pot: cook on high pressure for 1 hour.
Once cooked, let it cool and finely dice.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a pot of salted water, boil potatoes and carrots for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain and let them cool before dicing finely.
Prepare the Other Ingredients:
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine diced beef, potatoes, carrots, pickles, and peas.
Add mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until fully combined.
Decorate & Serve:
Smooth out the top of the salad.
Optionally, decorate with sliced pickles, boiled eggs, olives, or red bell pepper strips.
Serve chilled.
What is Salata de Boeuf? 🤔
Beef Salad, or Salata de Boeuf, is a beloved Romanian dish traditionally served at festive gatherings such as Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s celebrations. This creamy, flavorful salad is a must-have on Romanian holiday tables and is often beautifully decorated for a stunning presentation.
Made with tender boiled beef, potatoes, carrots, pickles, and peas, all bound together with a delicious mix of mayonnaise and mustard, this dish is a hearty and satisfying appetizer or side. Every family has their own spin on the recipe, making it a deeply personal and nostalgic dish for many Romanians.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✅ Easy to make – Only a handful of ingredients and simple cooking steps! 🥔🥕
✅ Authentic Romanian taste – A delicious, traditional favorite passed down through generations! 🇷🇴
✅ Perfect for celebrations – A staple dish for holidays, potlucks, and special occasions! 🎄🎉
✅ Customizable – Swap the beef for chicken or turkey for a different twist! 🐔
🤔 FAQs About Salata de Boeuf
Is Salata de Boeuf Healthy? 🥗
This salad is rich and creamy due to mayonnaise, making it calorie-dense. To make it lighter, try using low-fat or light mayonnaise.
Is It Gluten-Free? ✅
Yes! As long as your mayonnaise and pickles are gluten-free, this dish is naturally free from gluten.
How Do You Serve It? 🍽️
Salata de Boeuf is typically served as an appetizer or side dish alongside other Romanian favorites like cold cuts, cheeses, and bread.
🔥 Expert Tips for the Best Salata de Boeuf
✔️ Use high-quality beef for the best flavor and texture. ✔️ Dice the vegetables finely to ensure a smooth and uniform texture. ✔️ Drain excess moisture from the pickles and peas to prevent the salad from becoming watery. ✔️ Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Salata de Boeuf is a delicious and nostalgic dish that has been a part of Romanian celebrations for generations. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just to explore new flavors, this creamy, tangy, and satisfying salad is sure to become a favorite!
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! 😊🥗🇷🇴
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Keyword beef and mayonnaise salad, easy Romanian appetizer, holiday salad, Romanian beef salad, Salata de Boeuf, traditional Romanian recipe
