📝 About This Recipe
A show-stopping centerpiece of Russian celebratory feasts, the Sunflower Salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious. This classic layered salad, known as 'Podsolnukh', combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and savory cheese under a 'sunflower' of golden potato chips and black olive 'seeds'. Its rich, creamy texture and whimsical presentation make it the ultimate conversation starter for any festive gathering.
🥗 Ingredients
Protein and Base
- 400 grams Chicken Breast (boiled in salted water and finely diced)
- 4 large Eggs (hard-boiled and peeled)
- 150 grams Hard Cheese (such as Gouda or Edam, finely grated)
The Mushroom Layer
- 300 grams Champignon Mushrooms (fresh, finely sliced)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
Dressing and Binding
- 250 grams Mayonnaise (high quality, full fat for best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Garnish (The Sunflower Look)
- 1 can Pitted Black Olives (sliced lengthwise into quarters to resemble seeds)
- 1 large bag Potato Chips (oval-shaped, sturdy chips like Pringles work best)
- 2-3 sprigs Fresh Dill (for a pop of green)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by prepping the mushrooms. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until all liquid has evaporated and they are golden brown. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool completely.
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2
Separate the hard-boiled eggs into whites and yolks. Finely grate the egg whites into one bowl and the yolks into another. Keep them separate as they will form different layers.
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3
Select a large, flat circular serving platter. This is crucial as the salad is built directly on the dish it will be served on.
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4
Layer 1: Place the finely diced boiled chicken breast at the bottom of the plate, shaping it into a neat circle. Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise over the chicken.
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5
Layer 2: Spread the cooled mushroom and onion mixture over the chicken. Since the mushrooms were sautéed in oil, you only need a very light drizzle of mayonnaise on this layer.
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6
Layer 3: Distribute the grated egg whites evenly over the mushrooms. Apply a generous layer of mayonnaise and smooth it out with the back of a spoon.
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7
Layer 4: Sprinkle the finely grated cheese over the egg whites. Add another layer of mayonnaise, ensuring the sides of the 'mound' are also covered to keep the shape.
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8
Layer 5: Sprinkle the finely grated egg yolks over the entire top surface. This bright yellow layer acts as the center of the sunflower. Do not put mayonnaise on top of the yolks.
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9
The 'Seeds': Carefully place the quartered black olives on top of the egg yolk layer in a tight, concentric pattern to mimic sunflower seeds.
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10
Cover the platter loosely with plastic wrap (taking care not to crush the olives) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
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11
Just before serving, insert the potato chips around the edge of the salad mound to create the 'petals'. Do not do this earlier, or the chips will lose their crunch.
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12
Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill at the base for a touch of greenery and serve immediately to delighted guests.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always let the fried mushrooms cool completely before layering, or the heat will break down the mayonnaise and make the salad soggy. For a cleaner look, use a springform cake ring to assemble the layers, then remove it before adding the 'petals'. Choose chips that are uniform in shape; Pringles are a classic choice because they are consistent and curve perfectly like petals. If you want a lighter version, you can mix the mayonnaise with a bit of Greek yogurt, though traditionalists prefer pure mayo. Don't skip the chilling time—it's the secret to a salad that holds its shape when sliced.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a chilled glass of dry white wine or a traditional Russian fruit Kompot. Pair with dark rye bread or 'Borodinsky' bread for an authentic touch. This salad acts as a rich appetizer, so follow it with a lighter main course like grilled fish or Borscht. Perfect for New Year's Eve, birthdays, or Easter celebrations. Arrange on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves to enhance the 'garden' aesthetic of the presentation.