A beautifully presented Romanian Beef Salad (Salata de Boeuf) served on a white plate, garnished with red bell peppers, boiled egg slices, olives, and fresh parsley

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
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

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:

  • Dice the pickles and drain excess liquid with paper towels.
  • Drain the peas well.

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.

Notes

Step-by-step preparation of Romanian Beef Salad (Salata de Boeuf), showing the process from boiling ingredients to dicing, mixing with mayonnaise, shaping, decorating, and serving the final dish.

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
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