Vlašský salát – Czech Snack Salad
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Vlašský salát – Czech Snack Salad
Description
Vlašský salát combines ingredients prepared for texture and flavor harmony. Potatoes cooked with skin retain moisture and structure when peeled and diced. Peas are thawed gently to preserve their sweetness. Carrots are briefly boiled then immediately cooled to keep a fresh, slightly crisp texture and vibrant color. The diced ham and pickles add savory and tangy elements respectively.
The dressing is made by mixing mayonnaise with pickle juice, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper, creating a creamy, tangy, and mildly sweet sauce that ties the ingredients together. After combining, the salad is chilled for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Traditionally, it's enjoyed as a snack portion for 2-3 or spread over 12-15 open-faced sandwiches known as chlebíčky, often paired with Czech bread rolls like Rohlík or Houska. A sprig of parsley can be added to garnish. This salad showcases classic Central European flavors and contrasts between creamy, savory, and pickled notes.
Ingredients
- ¾ pound potato cooked ahead with the skin on
- 4 ounces ham
- 2 Tablespoons pea frozen and thawed
- 2 dill pickles diced
- 2 Tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 medium carrot peeled and diced
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise plain
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
Instructions
- Before you start cooking: Cook ¾ pound potatoes with the skin on and let them cool completely, ideally overnight. Let the 2 Tablespoons peas (frozen) thaw at room temperature. Peel 1 medium carrot and cook it briefly in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then cool it in cold water to stop the cooking process. This way, the carrots retain their beautiful color and remain slightly crunchy, not mushy.
- Peel the cooked potatoes and cube them. Finely chop 4 ounces ham, carrots, and 2 dill pickles, then transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add the thawed peas.
- Prepare the salad dressing: In a bowl, combine ⅔ cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons juice from a pickle jar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Stir well until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the prepared ingredients and mix everything together. Let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
- This recipe yields 2-3 snack-sized portions or enough salad for 12-15 Czech open-faced sandwiches (chlebíčky).
- Serve chilled alongside traditional Czech rolls such as Rohlík or Houska for an authentic tasting experience.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a refreshing visual and flavor contrast.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 411 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 411kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 18g | 106% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 1160mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 554mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 2692IU | 54% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 41mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.