Salată Orientală - Oriental Salad

I study Business Administration. I joined the Work and Travel program to improve my English skills and gain international experience. For this cookbook, I decided to share Salată Orientală, a traditional Romanian potato salad enjoyed at family gatherings. Its simplicity represents the comfort and warmth of home-cooked meals in Romania.

I am from Coamo, and my grandmother taught me how to cook and bake at a young age. I studied Culinary Arts at NUC University in Ponce. Working with Emil to prepare his dish was a meaningful experience—it was easy to make and special to him. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow through this internship in Tennessee.

INGREDIENTS

FOR SALAD AND DRESSING
1 kg potatoes (waxy variety preferred)
2 medium red onions
200 g olives
200 g pickled cucumbers in brine
2 hard-boiled eggs (optional)
1 tablespoon drained capers (optional)
5–6 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon vinegar or lime juice
1 bunch of dill, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

OPTIONAL GARNISHES
Pickled bell peppers

INSTRUCTIONS

1. COOK THE POTATOES
Place the whole, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot of water. Boil for about 20 minutes, or until tender when poked with a fork. Drain and let cool.

2. PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS
While the potatoes cool, peel and thinly slice the onions. Place the onions in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for a few minutes to soften. Thinly slice the pickles and chop the dill.

3. ASSEMBLE THE SALAD
Peel the cooled potatoes and cut them into quarters or smaller. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the onions. Add the sliced pickles, olives, and capers (if using).

4. MAKE THE DRESSING
In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the oil and vinegar or lime juice. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. SERVE
Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with slices of hard-boiled eggs and pickled peppers if desired. Serve at room temperature or chilled.