Slovak Christmas Potato Salad, known as Zemiakový Šalát in Slovak, is a delightful and essential part of the holiday feast in Slovakia. This salad combines simple ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a favorite during Christmas celebrations.
How This Slovak Christmas Potato Salad is Made
The salad is prepared by boiling potatoes and carrots until tender, then combining them with finely chopped onions, dill pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. The mixture is seasoned and bound together with mayonnaise, creating a creamy and comforting dish.
Most Popular Ingredients for Slovak Christmas Potato Salad
- Potatoes, the base of the salad, provide a soft and creamy texture.
- Carrots, add a slight sweetness and color.
- Onions and dill pickles, for a tangy crunch.
- Hard-boiled eggs, contribute richness and protein.
- Mayonnaise, creating a creamy consistency.
My Advice to Make the Best Slovak Christmas Potato Salad
As a Slovak person, I can’t imagine having fried carp and potato salad for the Christmas Eves dinner. I think when I moved to Poland this was the biggest surprise. In Poland, there is a similar version of this salad called SAŁATKA JARZYNOWA but that’s not it. It is made with apples, sometimes corn and there is less mayonnaise used.
- Cook the potatoes and carrots to the right consistency – tender but soft.
- Finely chop the onions and pickles to distribute their flavors evenly.
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add 1 spoonful of good mustard. If you do not have a European one like, add Dijon mustard.
Spices and Other Variations for the Best Slovak Christmas Potato Salad
- Add paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Experiment with different types of pickles for varying degrees of tanginess.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Recommended Reading:
FROM CARP TO CAROLS: UNVEILING THE HEARTWARMING POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
TRADITIONAL POLISH KOMPOT Z SUSZU RECIPE
HEARTWARMING POLISH BORSCHT RECIPE
SLOVAK SAUERKRAUT SOUP (KAPUSTNICA)
Slovak Christmas Potato Salad Recipe
Course: All Recipes, Appetisers, Traditions and HolidaysCuisine: SlovakDifficulty: Easy16
servings1
hour1
hour15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 kg 1 medium potatoes
carrots
Half an onion
15 oz 15 can of sweet peas
dill pickles
eggs
400 ml 400 mayonnaise
Salt and black pepper to taste
tablespoon a good mustard
Directions
- Boil unpeeled potatoes and peeled carrots in salted water. Hard boil the eggs.
- Once cooled, peel and dice the potatoes and slice the carrots into thin wedges.
- Chop the onion and pickles into small cubes.
- Combine vegetables in a bowl.
- Stir in mayonnaise, then add diced eggs and the mustard.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
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Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes, it tastes better when the flavors have time to blend.
What type of potatoes should I use?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukons work well.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, some add apples or celery for extra crunch.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use a different type of mayo?
Yes, low-fat or eggless mayo can be substituted. Also, you can use vegan mayonnaise and make this salad in a vegan version.
