Lively Swedish Beet and Apple Salad
This Lively Swedish Beet and Apple Salad is a delightful blend of earthy pickled beets and tart Granny Smith apples, inspired by traditional Swedish cuisine. According to renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, this vibrant salad pairs beautifully with Swedish meatballs but shines on its own as a refreshing side dish. The combination of crisp apples, tangy capers, and creamy dressing makes for a perfect appetizer or side that's sure to impress. Moreover, it can be prepared ahead of time; just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With its adaptable ingredients, this dish can be prepared using regular or lighter condiments, providing a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing flavor.
6
Servings
53
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
canola oil
2 tablespoons (none)
red onion
1 medium, halved and thinly sliced (thinly sliced)
Granny Smith apples
2, quartered, cored and thinly sliced (cored and thinly sliced)
lemon juice
1/4 cup, freshly squeezed (freshly squeezed)
pickled beets
4, thinly sliced (thinly sliced)
capers
2 tablespoons, drained (drained)
mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (none)
sour cream
2 tablespoons (none)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons, fresh, finely chopped (finely chopped)
chives
1 tablespoon, fresh, finely chopped (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the thinly sliced red onion and quartered Granny Smith apples to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften but still retain some crunch.
3
Transfer the sautéed mixture into a medium mixing bowl. Immediately sprinkle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the warm ingredients to prevent browning.
4
Gently fold in the thinly sliced pickled beets and drained capers, mixing thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
5
In a separate small bowl, blend together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Slowly incorporate this creamy mixture into the salad, tossing it gently to ensure even coating without breaking the apples and beets.
6
Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
7
Carefully transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and chives for a pop of color and flavor.
8
Note: To preserve the vivid colors of your salad, use glass or stainless steel bowls as the beets may stain plastic or ceramic.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lively Swedish Beet and Apple Salad?
It is a refreshing salad inspired by Swedish cuisine that combines earthy pickled beets, tart Granny Smith apples, and a creamy dressing.
Who is the chef associated with this salad style?
The salad is inspired by renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson and traditional Swedish culinary styles.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 53 calories.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor and crisp texture.
Are the beets in this recipe raw or cooked?
The recipe calls for pickled beets, which provide a tangy and earthy flavor profile.
Is the Lively Swedish Beet and Apple Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian salad.
What should I serve with this beet and apple salad?
It pairs beautifully with traditional Swedish meatballs or can be served as a standalone side dish.
Can this salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, it can be made ahead of time, but you should let it come to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
Each serving provides 1 gram of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the ingredients?
Canola oil is used to sauté the red onion and apples.
How long should I sauté the apples and onions?
Sauté them for 3 to 5 minutes until the apples soften but still retain some of their crunch.
Why is lemon juice added to the apples and onions?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to prevent the apples from browning and to add brightness.
What ingredients make up the creamy dressing?
The dressing is a smooth blend of mayonnaise and sour cream.
Can I use low-fat ingredients for the dressing?
Yes, the recipe is adaptable and can be prepared using lighter mayonnaise and sour cream without sacrificing flavor.
What role do capers play in the salad?
Drained capers add a tangy and briny element to the salad's flavor profile.
What herbs are used for garnishing?
The salad is garnished with finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and fresh chives.
What type of bowl is recommended for mixing?
It is best to use glass or stainless steel bowls because beets can stain plastic or ceramic containers.
How is the red onion prepared?
The red onion should be halved and thinly sliced before being sautéed.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 12 ingredients required for this recipe.
How do I prevent the apples and beets from breaking?
Toss the salad gently when incorporating the creamy dressing to ensure even coating without breaking the delicate pieces.
What type of salt is suggested?
Kosher salt is suggested for seasoning the salad to taste.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe specifies using fresh flat-leaf parsley and fresh chives.
How are the Granny Smith apples prepared?
The apples should be quartered, cored, and thinly sliced.
Is there any added sugar in the nutritional facts?
The provided nutritional information does not list any added sugar.
What kind of pepper is used?
Freshly ground black pepper is used to season the salad.
Is the salad served warm or cold?
While parts are sautéed warm, the salad is typically served at room temperature.
What is the main texture of this salad?
The salad features a mix of textures including soft beets, crunchy apples, and a creamy dressing.