Ukrainian Beetroot and Apple Salad
A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring the earthy sweetness of beetroot, the crisp tartness of apple, and a light, tangy dressing. This salad is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect as a starter or a side dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 medium Beets(about 1.5 lbs, boiled or roasted until tender)
- 2 medium Apples (tart variety like Granny Smith)(peeled, cored, and julienned or diced)
- 0.5 small Red onion(thinly sliced or finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
- 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using raw beets, wash them thoroughly, wrap in foil, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until fork-tender. Alternatively, boil them until tender. Let the beets cool completely, then peel and cut them into small cubes or julienne strips.
- 2
Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and cutting them into similar-sized pieces as the beets. If you're not assembling the salad immediately, toss the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- 3
Thinly slice or finely chop the red onion. Chop the fresh dill.
- 4
In a medium bowl, combine the prepared beets, apples, red onion, and chopped dill.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- 6
Pour the dressing over the beet and apple mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- 7
For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using pre-cooked or vacuum-sealed beets can significantly reduce preparation time.
- ✓For a more robust flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of finely chopped gherkins or pickles.
- ✓If you prefer a less sweet salad, use a tarter apple variety and reduce the amount of mayonnaise.
🔄 Variations
- Add cooked and diced potatoes or carrots for a heartier salad.
- Incorporate some chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Some variations include herring fillets, making it a more substantial dish.