Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water with a vegetable brush (the skin of young potatoes is delicate — do not peel them). If they are larger, cut them in half or quarters so that the pieces are of similar size. Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water so that the water covers them by about 2 cm, add 1 teaspoon of salt (about 3 g) and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat for 12–18 minutes: check with a fork — the potato is ready when the fork easily goes into the flesh, but the potato should not fall apart. Drain in a colander and set aside to cool slightly (5–7 minutes).
Description
A summer salad combining Polish smoked oscypek cheese with young potatoes and a refreshing strawberry vinaigrette. The dish blends the salty, smoky notes of the cheese with the delicate sweetness of strawberries and the freshness of greens — perfect as a light lunch or an elegant appetizer at a summer barbecue. Inspired by highlander cuisine (oscypek) and modern seasonal Polish cooking: we use young potatoes and fresh strawberries. The salad is served immediately after preparation, while the oscypek is still warm — this is when the contrast of temperatures and textures is most appealing. Appearance: a green base of greens, topped with golden slices of oscypek and a glistening pink dressing, garnished with strawberries and coarsely chopped nuts.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (14)
- Potatoes 5.3 pcs (~800 g)
- Oscypek 2.4 pcs (~240 g)
- Arugula 100 g
- Butter lettuce 150 g
- Strawberry 250 g
- Red onion 100 g
- Rapeseed oil 45 g
- Wine vinegar 30 ml
- Mustard 10 g
- 🌿 Spices
- Salt 0.1 pinch (~3 g)
- Black pepper 4 pinch (~2 g)
- ✨ Optional
- Honey 10 ml
- Walnuts 30 g
- Thyme 30 g
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Preparation steps
Preparing the potatoes
Strawberry vinaigrette
In a tall blender container, place 150 g of strawberries (washed, hulled), 30 g of wine vinegar, 10 g of mustard, and optionally 10 g of honey. Blend for a few seconds until you achieve a smooth mixture. Then, in a thin stream, while continuously blending, pour in 45 g of rapeseed oil until a smooth, slightly emulsified dressing forms. Taste and season with 1–2 g of salt and 1 g of pepper; if the vinaigrette is too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water. Strain through a sieve if you want to remove the strawberry seeds (optional). Leave the vinaigrette in a bowl.
Preparation of oscypek
Cut the oscypek into slices 6–8 mm thick. Heat a grill pan or grill to medium-high temperature — the pan should be very hot but not smoking. Lightly brush the slices with a bit of rapeseed oil (use a brush) and place them on the heated surface. Grill for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden stripes appear and the cheese softens slightly (the surface should glisten slightly and small bubbles should form). Remove to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
Preparation of toppings
While the oscypek is grilling and the potatoes have cooled, prepare the salads: rinse the arugula and butter lettuce in cold water and dry in a salad spinner or gently pat dry with a paper towel. Tear the butter lettuce by hand into bite-sized pieces. Cut the remaining 100 g of strawberries into quarters for decoration. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons; if you want to mellow the flavor, place the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and dry.
Finishing the potatoes
Cut the slightly cooled potatoes into thick slices or halves (depending on their size). Transfer them to a large bowl, drizzle with 2–3 tablespoons of the prepared vinaigrette (about 30–40 g), and gently mix to coat the slices with the dressing. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. The warm potatoes will absorb the flavor of the vinaigrette and will be the perfect contrast to the cold leaves and warm oscypek cheese.
Salad Assembly
On a large plate or serving dish, spread a layer of butter lettuce and arugula. Evenly arrange warm slices of potato on top. Lay slices of grilled oscypek on top. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette in thin streams (preferably in three or four spots). Add strawberry slices for color and sweetness, sprinkle with coarsely chopped walnuts (if using) and thyme leaves (optional). Finally, freshly ground pepper and possibly a pinch of sea salt to taste.
Serving
Serve the salad immediately while the oscypek is still warm — this will enhance the aroma and textural contrast. Serve with an extra bowl of vinaigrette on the side, in case someone wants more dressing. It tastes best right after preparation.
Fun Fact
Oscypek is a traditional shepherd's cheese from Podhale, historically made by shepherds and smoked with conifer wood. The combination of salty, smoked cheese with fruits (like strawberries) is a modern twist that blends tradition with seasonal freshness.
Best for
Tips
Serve the salad immediately after assembling, while the oscypek is still warm. Offer additional vinaigrette in a small sauce boat. A cool, dry white wine (e.g., dry riesling) or a light craft beer pairs well with the salad. If you're preparing it for a party, grill the oscypek just before serving to maintain its crispy crust.
It is best to consume the salad immediately. If there is leftover vinaigrette, store it in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Potatoes stored separately in the fridge will maintain their texture for 1 day; oscypek is best eaten fresh — reheated in a pan for 1–2 minutes.
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