Classic Ryzhik Salad with Carrot and Cheese

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make a classic Ryzhik salad with carrot and cheese? Gather all the ingredients on the list. For this salad, choose fresh, juicy carrots in a bright orange color — one large or two medium. Use a good-quality processed cheese.

2. Step 2:

   

   Wash the carrots well under running water. Peel them with a vegetable peeler. If the carrots are young, you don't have to peel them — just scrub them well with a stiff brush. I grated mine on a Korean-style julienne grater. You can use a coarse or medium grater — it doesn't really matter.

3. Step 3:

   

   Put the processed cheese in the freezer for half an hour ahead of time — that makes it easier to grate. Grate it on a coarse or medium grater as well.

4. Step 4:

   

   Peel the garlic clove. Rinse it and pat it dry with a paper towel. Grate it on a fine grater or press it through a garlic press. By the way, you can use more garlic to taste.

5. Step 5:

   

   Transfer the grated carrots, processed cheese, and minced garlic to a suitable bowl. Add a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise. It's better to make your own mayonnaise — it'll be healthier and tastier. You can swap it for sour cream or thick plain yogurt for a lighter dish. Salt to taste. How much salt depends on what you dress the salad with — sour cream or yogurt will need a bit more.

6. Step 6:

   

   Mix the salad and dressing thoroughly. Done.

7. Step 7:

   

   Now plate the salad. You can simply spoon it into a salad bowl or individual dishes and serve. I used a cooking ring, which makes the dish look neater and more elegant. Set the ring on a flat plate, pack the salad inside, and smooth the top with a spoon. Refrigerate the salad for 1 hour — that gives it time to soak through nicely.

8. Step 8:

   

   After an hour, take the salad out of the fridge. Carefully lift off the cooking ring. Garnish however you like — with parsley, dill, or lettuce leaves, for example. Ryzhik salad is satisfying on its own and needs nothing added. But if you want something heartier, serve it with boiled pasta or mashed potatoes. It also makes a great accompaniment to meat.