Can I replace mayonnaise with something else?

Yes, sour cream (15–20%) or Greek yogurt mixed with mustard works well, giving a lighter tang.

How long to boil the eggs?

Boil eggs for 8–10 minutes after the water starts boiling. Cool in cold water for easy peeling.

What can I use instead of hard cheese?

Semi-hard cheeses like Gouda or Dutch cheese are fine. For a sharper flavor, use Parmesan, but grate it finer.

How to make it more diet-friendly?

Substitute ham with chicken breast and use yogurt dressing instead of mayo. Calories drop to about 180–200 kcal per serving.

Salad "Tender"

Name: Salad "Tender"
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 порции
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: Ham — 400 g; Cucumber — 200 g; Hard cheese — 180 g; Chicken egg — 165 g; Salt — 1 g; Mayonnaise — 200 g

30min

1146g

Nutrition per 100g

301

This salad truly lives up to its name: tender, airy, with a creamy texture and a hint of garlic. Ham, crunchy cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, and melty cheese come together with mayonnaise for a perfectly balanced flavor. Ready in minutes, it disappears just as fast. Ideal for parties or a cozy dinner.

DietBreakfastHealthyanddeliciousFastfoodFromFreshProductsMeat

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

6 products

Base

Vegetables

Cheese

Eggs

Spices

Dressing

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

The key to this salad is uniform cutting. Slice ham and cucumber into thin matchsticks for a harmonious bite. Grate eggs and cheese on a coarse grater so they distribute evenly and create a creamy base. Garlic is optional — it adds a subtle kick, but you can skip it. Dress with mayonnaise just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Step 1

Boil the Eggs

Place eggs (165 g, about 3–4 large) in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to boil. Cook for 8–10 minutes, then cool in cold water, peel, and grate coarsely.

Step 2

Slice Ham and Cucumber

Cut ham (400 g / 14 oz) and fresh cucumber (200 g / 7 oz) into thin matchsticks of roughly equal size.

Step 3

Grate the Cheese

Grate 180 g (6.3 oz) of hard cheese on a coarse grater.

Step 4

Combine All Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix grated eggs, cheese, ham, and cucumber. Optionally add 1–2 cloves of garlic, passed through a press.

Step 5

Add Salt and Mayonnaise

Season with salt (1 g / ¼ tsp) and add 200 g (about 1 cup) of mayonnaise. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

Step 6

Serve

Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with herbs or egg slices, and serve chilled.

CHEF'S TIP

Slice Ham and Cucumber into Thin Matchsticks

Aim for uniform size so the salad looks neat and all flavors blend well.

Peel the Cucumber if the Skin is Thick

If the cucumber has a tough skin, peel it for a more tender texture. Young cucumbers can be used with skin.

Grate Cheese Coarsely, Not Finely

A coarse grate gives cheese its own texture, so it doesn't turn into a paste.

Add Garlic to Taste

Garlic adds a nice piquancy, but you can skip it. If using, press 1–2 cloves through a press.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

Replace Ham with Chicken or Crab Sticks Boiled chicken breast or crab sticks make the salad lighter and add a new twist. Slice them the same way.
Use Sour Cream or Yogurt Instead of Mayonnaise Mix 15% sour cream with a little mustard for a lighter, fresher dressing.
Add Green Peas or Corn A handful of canned peas or corn adds sweetness and a pop of color.
No-Garlic Version If you don't like garlic, use a little finely chopped onion scalded with boiling water for a milder bite.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Tender Ham and Cheese Salad

Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If dressed, consume within 24 hours as cucumber releases juice. Do not freeze. Before serving, add fresh herbs and toss gently.

GOOD TO KNOW