Which Salads Can Be Prepared in Advance: 5 Holiday Recipes

During the pre-holiday rush, it's so hard to do everything and not stand by the stove at the most important moment. We tell you about salads that can be prepared a day or two before the holiday. They not only retain their taste and appearance but also become even tastier after sitting in the refrigerator.

Key points from the article:

• All salads can be stored for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator;

• Mayonnaise and other sauces should be added before serving;

• It is important to store prepared ingredients correctly;

• Decorating the dishes will take minimal time.

Salad "Winter Savings"

This salad with smoked chicken and mushrooms can be safely prepared a day before the holiday. Its longevity comes from the correct layering order. Chicken breast is cut into large pieces, mushrooms are fried until golden brown, and Korean-style carrots add a spicy flavor. Each layer is brushed with a thin layer of mayonnaise, and the top is covered with grated cheese. In the refrigerator, the salad becomes even more delicious.

Photo: pinterest.com

"Pomegranate Bracelet" in a New Version

The classic holiday salad can also be prepared in advance if you know a few tricks. Boil beets, potatoes, and carrots and cut them into cubes. Cut meat or chicken in advance. Layer the ingredients, brushing each layer with mayonnaise. Pomegranate seeds and nuts should be added right before serving – so they stay crispy.

Salad with Tongue and Mushrooms

Boiled beef tongue, fried mushrooms, and marinated cucumbers create a perfect flavor combination. All ingredients can be prepared a day before the holiday. Boil and slice the tongue into thin slices, fry mushrooms with onions. Slice cucumbers into matchsticks and drain well from the marinade. Dress lightly with mayonnaise and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

"Merchant's" Salad with Dried Plums

This salad particularly benefits from sitting overnight in the refrigerator. Cut boiled chicken, dried plums, walnuts, and hard cheese in advance. Layer them, brushing each layer with mayonnaise. The top layer is grated cheese and crushed nuts. Dried plums give the salad a special spiciness, while chicken remains juicy.

Photo: pinterest.com

"Forest Meadow" with Kiwi

An unusual combination of smoked chicken, kiwi, and cheese creates a vibrant holiday flavor. Chicken and cheese can be cut into cubes in advance. Kiwi should only be added before serving to prevent the fruit from releasing juice. Garnish the salad with crushed walnuts and fresh herbs. Dress with light mayonnaise or sour cream.

How to Properly Store Prepped Salads

Keep salads in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The temperature should be stable – around 4 degrees Celsius. Do not place containers next to raw products. Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving – this helps the flavor to open up better.

Secrets of Holiday Presentation

Even a salad prepared in advance can be served beautifully. Use fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, and grated cheese for decoration. If the salad is layered, make the final layer especially attractive. You can use a mold ring for an elegant portioned serving.

What Should Not Be Prepared in Advance

Remember that some ingredients are better added just before serving:

• Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes will release a lot of juice;

• Green herbs wilt quickly;

• Avocados darken;

• Apples and pears oxidize.

These simple rules will help you prepare for the holiday in advance and spend more time with guests rather than in the kitchen. The key is to store the preparations correctly and remember which ingredients should be added at the last moment.