KALE, ROCKET, FETA CHEESE – these are the foodstuffs you’d think of when you hear the word ‘salad’, right?
But not in Ireland. In kitchens across the land, especially in warm weather, you’re more likely to be greeted with this:
This is your typical Irish salad. Here we will detail the elements, in order of importance:
1. Two slices of ham, rolled up
Got to get the meat in. Bonus points if it’s crumbed.
2. Some slices of cheese
Red cheddar, preferably. No messing around with anything fancy.
3. A hard boiled egg, cut in half
An Irish salad without a hard boiled egg is a failed salad.
4. Scallions
One whole scallion, to be precise, mixed evenly in with your few dribbles of lettuce. People won’t like the smell, but do you know what? They can lump off.
5. A few cursory bits of iceberg lettuce
The lettuce is put in, but only out of obligation. Sure it tastes alright if it’s doused with…
6. Lashings of Chef salad cream
It wouldn’t be an Irish summer salad without it!
7. A dollop of potato salad
How all salads really should be, TBH.
8. Coleslaw
Picked up from the deli on the way home, just how you like it.
9. Beetroot from a jar
Not essential, but a nice little addition if you can get it.
Now, get yourself to the deli and arrange yourself an Irish salad. Sure it’s too hot to be cooking!
