“It’s quick, healthy and tasty. In Nordic countries beetroot salad is often served around Christmas time, but you can also swap out the ingredients to make a lighter version for your summer barbecue.”
by Marcel Blass, who’s part of the Data Insights & AI team in Hamburg, Germany
A simple beetroot salad with feta, apples and walnuts, rooted in Nordic cooking.
Beetroot salad has a long place in Nordic home cooking, valued for its simplicity and seasonal versatility. This version with feta reflects that tradition by combining familiar, grounded ingredients that are easy to work with.
Cooked beets form the base of the salad, sliced to keep their texture and absorb vinegar and olive oil. Apples add mild sweetness and freshness, while finely chopped onion adds balance. Feta is added at the end, providing a light saltiness that complements the earthy flavor of the beets.
Often served around winter holidays in Nordic countries, this salad pairs just as well with a summer barbecue or a simple weekday meal. Walnuts add crunch and a spoonful of sour cream makes the dressing lightly creamy. For a summery version, add a bit of green salad. This adaptable, mild-flavored beetroot salad works well as a side dish or a light main course.
Side dish
Vegetarian, gluten-free
Preparation time: 15 min
Ingredients:
- 3-4 cooked beetroots (about 500g)
- 1 onion
- 1-2 apples
- 200g feta cheese
- 1-2 handful of walnuts (optional)
- 150g sour cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4-6 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp apple vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Optional: green salad
Preparation:
Start by halving the cooked beets, removing any unwanted parts and slicing them into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the onion and add it to the beets. For a fresh and slightly sweet note, you can also mix in some apple pieces.
Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar (or a mix of vinegars), salt and pepper, then drizzle it evenly over the salad. If you prefer a creamier version, mix sour cream with the vinegar first and then fold it into the salad.
Next, chop the feta and the nuts. The nuts can be lightly roasted in a pan to enhance their flavor. Add both to the salad and gently mix everything together. This beet salad with feta can easily be adjusted to your taste: for a sweeter variation, add a pinch of sugar or some raisins.
If you’d like to add freshness and color, feel free to combine the beetroot salad with leafy greens of your choice.
Variations & Tips: This beetroot salad tastes slightly different every time and pairs beautifully with a wide range of fruits and green salads. Enjoy it as a light main dish or serve it as a flavorful side.
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