CiberCuba Cocina
Cuban Cold Salad | Photo © CiberCuba Cocina

Cold Salad by readers of Comida Cubana

Cooking, Appetizer

Kitchen, Appetizer

Preparation Time:
30
Note:
The Cold Salad is a typical Cuban dish that we prepare on festive occasions, birthdays, and occasionally for a delicious snack on warm afternoons. This cold salad recipe was developed with input from our readers. It is our first recipe created as a team, marking our initial step towards Cuban Cuisine 3.0. The images used in this recipe were sent to us by readers of Comida Cubana. We extend our gratitude to them. Enjoy this dish as much as we did when making it, and if you decide to prepare it at home, don't forget to share a photo on our social media.
Ingredients:
  • 200 grams of elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 pound of diced ham
  • 4 pineapple slices in syrup (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 apple cut into small pieces
  • 1 cooked carrot, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large potato, cooked and diced
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs
  • Mayonnaise
Instructions:

Cook the elbows in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Some people add a teaspoon of oil to the water, but that’s optional. Once the elbows are ready, drain them and let them cool.

Cold Salad by Damarys Reyes for Cuban Cuisine

When the elbow pasta is fresh, gently separate it with a fork and start adding the ingredients. First, add the ham, apple, and pineapple. Mix well until combined. Then, incorporate the cooked ingredients, which are the carrot and potatoes. Add mayonnaise to your taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure the mayonnaise coats all the elements. Taste for salt and add a hint of sweetness, which can come from a bit of the pineapple syrup.

I left the onion until the end because in many families, children eat this dish, and they generally do not like strong flavors. This way, you can set aside a portion of the salad and mix in the rest all the ingredients that are to your liking.

Cold Salad by Robermarie Cuza for Cuban Cuisine

Our readers, in addition to onion, suggest using sweet corn, cheese cubes, and pickled cucumber. Others add roasted peppers, peas, and even raisins.

Cold salad, by Karelia Legra Urgelles for Cuban Cuisine

If you're using fresh pineapple, you should consume the salad the same day, as the acidity of the fruit can ruin the preparation. To avoid this, it is recommended to cook the pineapple with a little sugar over low heat for a few minutes. Then let it cool and add it to the salad.

Cold Salad by Mayte Alfonso for Cuban Cuisine

When your salad reaches the desired level, remember to garnish it with the sliced hard-boiled eggs.

Rations:
6