Yam Salad Recipe
Yam Salad is a colourful, creamy, and satisfying side dish made with tender yellow yam, crisp carrots, string beans, sweet peppers, green peas, and mayonnaise. Served chilled over fresh lettuce, this easy salad is perfect for family meals, parties, buffets, and special occasions.
Equipment
- 1 Large Saucepan:
- 1 Sharp Kitchen Knife
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Wooden Spoon Or Large Serving Spoon
- 1 Colander:
- 1 Refrigerator -
- 1 Serving Platter –
Ingredients
- 2 lb yellow yam
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ lb string beans
- ¼ lb carrots
- 1 small onion
- 1 small red sweet pepper
- 1 small green sweet pepper
- 1 can green peas
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 large lettuce leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Yam
- Peel the yellow yam, rinse thoroughly, and cut it into evenly sized cubes.
- Keep the pieces reasonably large so they hold their shape after boiling.
Step 2: Boil The Yam
- Place the yam cubes in a large saucepan and cover with water.
- Bring to a rolling boil, add the salt, and cook for approximately 15 minutes.
- Check with a fork; the yam should be tender but not falling apart.
- Drain thoroughly and allow the yam to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare The Vegetables
- Trim the string beans and cut them into three or four pieces.
- Peel and dice the carrots.
- Briefly blanch the string beans and carrots in boiling water until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain thoroughly.
Step 4: Chop The Fresh Ingredients
- Finely chop the onion, red sweet pepper, and green sweet pepper.
- Drain the green peas thoroughly to remove excess liquid.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Place the cooled yam cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the blanched vegetables, onion, red and green peppers, and drained green peas.
- Add the mayonnaise and gently fold everything together, taking care not to break the yam.
Step 6: Chill The Salad
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.
- Chilling allows the flavours to blend and gives the salad a refreshing texture.
Step 7: Serve
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter.
- Spoon the chilled yam salad over the lettuce.
- Serve immediately with your favourite main dishes.
Notes
- 🥔 Choose Firm Yam: Use fresh, firm yellow yam and cut it into even-sized cubes for consistent cooking and a neat salad.
- 💧 Avoid Overcooking: Boil the yam until fork-tender but still firm enough to hold its shape when mixed.
- 🥕 Keep Vegetables Crisp: Blanch the carrots and string beans briefly so they retain their colour, freshness, and satisfying crunch.
- 🫗 Drain Well: Thoroughly drain the yam, vegetables, and peas before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise dressing from becoming watery.
- 🥄 Fold Gently: Carefully fold the ingredients with the mayonnaise to keep the yam cubes intact rather than mashing them.
- ❄️ Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the prepared salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend and give it a refreshing texture.
- 🥬 Serve Fresh: Arrange the chilled salad over crisp lettuce leaves just before serving for a colourful and appetising presentation.