Easy Brazilian Salpicão Christmas Salad
A creamy, smoky, and crunchy classic, Salpicão is the heart of every Brazilian Christmas—and the best way to savor those holiday leftovers! This easy-to-make salad combines smoked turkey or ham, crisp apples, and tender veggies with a creamy dressing, all topped with irresistible batata palha (shoestring potatoes). Perfect for your Ceia de Natal or any time you want a delicious and festive dish!
Ingredients
- 800 g 1.75 lbs smoked turkey or ham (or leftover Christmas turkey)
- 5 apples about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs – Honeycrisp, Gala, or similar
- 400 g 14 oz frozen corn
- 400 g 14 oz frozen peas
- 2 cups 400 g / 14 oz mayonnaise
- 1.5 cups 360 ml / 12 fl oz whipping cream
- 2 tbsp grated yellow onion
- 500 g 1.1 lbs batata palha (shoestring potatoes or hickory sticks)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn and Peas: Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add salt, add the peas, boil for 1 minute, then drain and chill in the fridge. Repeat with the corn.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, whipping cream, and grated onion.
- Add the Apples: Dice apples into small pieces and mix them into the dressing immediately to prevent browning.
- Add the Protein: Dice your smoked turkey, ham, or leftover Christmas turkey into small cubes. Add to the salad and mix well.
- Combine and Chill: Once the peas and corn are completely cool, fold them into the salad. Keep it inside your fridge until ready to serve.
- Add the Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle batata palha (shoestring potatoes) on top for the perfect crispy finish.
Video
Notes
Substitutions: Use smoked chicken if available or a mix of smoked ham and chicken.
Batata Palha Tips: Found in Brazilian/Portuguese markets, Walmart (international aisle), or online at BrazilianMarket.ca.
Make-Ahead Tip: Add the shoestring potatoes right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Please note that calories provided are simply an estimate.