Mother's Day Recipe | Give your gratitude with a bouquet salad that resembles a bouquet!

Introduction — Why express your gratitude with a "bouquet salad" on Mother's Day

Mother's Day is the second Sunday of May. If you want to express your gratitude, why not try a "bouquet salad" with a gorgeous look that will also be the star of your party? The colorful salad is as colorful as a bouquet, making it easy for people who are not used to cooking to try it, and the combination of spices and herbs brings out the flavor even more. In this article, we will provide in-depth information on bouquet salad recipes and tips for serving, along with the origins of Mother's Day and the background of carnation culture.

The origin of Mother's Day and how it is celebrated in the world

There are various theories about the origin of Mother's Day, but it is only widely known back to the 1910s America. Anna Jarvis handed out white carnations in memory of her late mother, and in 1914 the Anniversary Act was enacted, with Mother's Day being the second Sunday of May being Mother's Day. It then spread to various countries and became established in Japan during the Showa period.

Mother's Day and Carnation Culture in Japan

It was after the war that the custom of giving carnations spread in Japan. The habit of distinguishing feelings by color, such as red if your mother is still alive, and white if she passes away, has been passed down. Currently, the mainstream is a free gift style that will not be bound by color choices, and create a sense of gratitude.

Mother's Day Diversity Seen Overseas

• UK/Ireland: The tradition of returning home to "Mothering Sunday" before Easter and spending time with my mother
• Australia: The second Sunday of May is the same, but it is chosen as a gift because Chrysanthemum overlaps with the ending of "mum."
• Spain: Every year, it is celebrated on the first Sunday of May and is often associated with religious events.

It's interesting that Mother's Day's dates and flowers are given differently depending on the country and culture.

Mother's Day in Japan for the next 10 years

What is a bouquet salad? — "eedible bouquet" originating from overseas

The bouquet salad is a portable salad made from a bouquet motif and a combination of prosciutto and vegetables. It is said to have originated in the French hors d'oeuvre culture, and is popular as an appetizer to add color to parties. It has a gorgeous look but is completed in a short time without using fire, making it perfect for home parties and entertaining dishes.

Increase your flavor with spices and herbs

The leafy vegetables and prosciutto themselves have a mild taste, but the addition of a dressing made with dill, herb salt and white wine vinegar adds a refreshing aroma and a deep salty taste. Dill in particular has a strong aroma, making it an excellent accent not only for decoration but also for flavor.

Ingredients and how to make a bouquet salad

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• Baby Leaf... 1 bag
• Leaf lettuce... 2 pieces
• Carrots (sliced ​​with peeler)... 30g
• Cucumber (sliced ​​with a peeler)... 1 bottle
• Radish (sliced ​​with a peeler)... 30g
• Cherry tomatoes... 4 pieces
• Avocado... 1/2 pieces
• Snap Peas... 4 pieces
• Prosciutto... 12 pieces
• Dill (fresh) ... Appropriate amount

dressing

• White wine vinegar... 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil... 3 tablespoons
• Salt mix with herbs... 1 tsp

How to make it

1. Vegetable preparation
   • Treat the leaf lettuce into pieces that are easy to eat by hand and pair it with baby leaves.
   • Carrots, cucumbers, and radish slices into ribbons using a peeler.
   • Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and the avocado into bite-sized pieces.
   • Remove the peas from the snap peas, boil them in salt, let cool, and open the pods.
2. Making prosciutto floral parts
   • Cut the prosciutto in half and make thinner.
   • Roll each slice into a flower core, then wrap three or four slices like petals.
3. Serving
   • The center of the dish is filled with lettuce and baby leaves, and snap peas are arranged in the image of the "stems" of a bouquet.
   • Roll the sliced ​​carrots, radish, and cucumbers into ribbons and insert them in a colorful way.
   • Sprinkle a balanced amount of prosciutto, cherry tomatoes and avocados, and finally tear off the dill.
4. Add dressing
   • Put the white wine vinegar and herb salt in a bowl, and emulsify by adding olive oil little by little.
   • Spin it just before eating and lightly toss the whole thing.

Three tips to make your presentation look beautiful

Be aware of the contrast between saturation and texture

The colors such as red (tomato), green (leaf vegetables), yellow (carrots), and white (radish) are arranged in a balanced manner, and the ribbon-shaped vegetables make the three-dimensional look stand out.

Increase the height to increase the "bouquet" feel

Pour leafy vegetables in the center at a higher height and place flower parts around them to create a bouquet-like silhouette. Shallow bowls and rim plates go well with tableware.

Use herbs as "flower materials"

The soft leaves of dill and Italian parsley are perfect as green fillers. It also has a scent added, and it brings two birds to one stone.

A collection of ideas to enjoy Mother's Day more

Add a handmade card

Add a message card with a bouquet salad to express your gratitude, and create a warmer atmosphere on your dining table.

Flower gifts other than carnations

Recently, there has been an increasing number of cases where seasonal flowers and ornamental plants are given instead of just "Mother's Day = carnations." Potted herbs in particular are sure to be a favorite for moms who love cooking.

Surprise at a small party

This is also a fun plan where you can work together with your family to prepare simple appetizers and soups, mainly bouquet salads, to create a "home restaurant."

Conclusion — The feeling of "thank you" deepens through cooking and history

Mother's Day is not just a day to give flowers or gifts, but a great opportunity for families to share their gratitude while unraveling history. The bouquet salad, born overseas, will decorate your dining table with a gorgeous bouquet-like look and create a special time. This year, why not make your own "edible bouquets" and make your feelings for your mother into a vocabulary? This carefully prepared dish will be a wonderful memory that will leave you with hearts and hearts not only for moms but for all your family.