Vibrant Finnish Beet and Apple Salad
This delightful Finnish salad, known as 'punajuurisalaatti', combines the earthy sweetness of beets, tart apples, and savory potatoes, delivering a fresh and colorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Traditionally served as a side dish in Finland, this salad can be made with or without herring, offering flexibility for both seafood lovers and vegetarians alike. This version omits herring, but for those curious about the authentic flavor, feel free to add it in! Originating from 'The Finnish Cookbook' by Beatrice A. Ojakangas, this recipe was first brought to life in our kitchen by my husband, Mike, and has become our family favorite for potlucks and summer picnics. Enjoy this vibrant salad chilled, showcasing a medley of textures and mouth-watering flavors with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Medium potatoes
2 (cooked, peeled, and diced)
Tart apples
2 (peeled and diced)
Carrots
2 (peeled, cooked, and diced)
Dried onion flakes
2 tablespoons
Medium dill pickles
2 (diced or grated)
Minced sardines or anchovy
3/4 cup (optional)
White pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Cooked beets
2 cups (peeled and diced)
Sour cream
1 cup
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Beet juice
2 teaspoons
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Sugar
a dash
Crumble bacon
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the potatoes until fork-tender. Once cooled, peel and dice into small cubes.
2
While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the carrots by boiling or steaming them until they are tender, then dice them into small pieces.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, tart apples, cooked carrots, dried onion flakes, and diced pickles.
4
If you are using sardines or anchovies, add them to the mixture along with the white pepper.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice, beet juice, salt, and sugar until smooth. This will create a creamy dressing for the salad.
6
Just before you intend to serve the salad, gently fold in the diced cooked beets to prevent the salad from turning a deep pink, as some prefer a milder tint. If you're preparing this for a potluck or picnic, feel free to blend the beets in ahead of time, allowing for a cheerful pink hue!
7
To serve, you can either place the salad in a bowl lined with fresh lettuce leaves or simply transfer it to your serving container. If desired, sprinkle the top with crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
8
Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Finnish name for this beet and apple salad?
This traditional Finnish salad is known as 'punajuurisalaatti'.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main components are earthy beets, tart apples, savory potatoes, and carrots.
Where does this specific recipe originate?
This recipe comes from 'The Finnish Cookbook' by Beatrice A. Ojakangas.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this version is vegetarian as it omits the traditional herring, though you should also omit the optional bacon and anchovies.
Can I add seafood to this salad?
Yes, you can add minced sardines, anchovies, or traditional herring for an authentic flavor.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Cook the potatoes until fork-tender, then peel and dice them into small cubes.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples are recommended to provide a crisp texture and balance the sweetness of the beets.
How do I prepare the carrots for the salad?
The carrots should be boiled or steamed until tender and then diced into small pieces.
What is in the salad dressing?
The dressing is a creamy blend of sour cream, lemon juice, beet juice, salt, and a dash of sugar.
Why is beet juice added to the dressing?
Beet juice is used to help create a colorful and smooth creamy base for the salad.
When should the beets be added to the mixture?
Fold the beets in just before serving to prevent the entire salad from turning a deep pink color.
What if I want the salad to be very pink?
If you prefer a cheerful pink hue, you can blend the beets in ahead of time.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
It should be chilled for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the suggested way to serve the salad?
You can serve it in a bowl lined with fresh lettuce leaves and optionally top it with crumbled bacon.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried onions?
This recipe specifically calls for two tablespoons of dried onion flakes.
What kind of pickles are used in this Finnish salad?
The recipe calls for two medium dill pickles, which can be diced or grated.
Is white pepper necessary for this recipe?
White pepper is used to provide a subtle, savory heat without the dark specks of black pepper.
Can I make this salad for a potluck?
Yes, it is a family favorite for potlucks and summer picnics because it is best served chilled.
What is the texture of the Vibrant Finnish Beet and Apple Salad?
The salad features a medley of textures including soft cooked vegetables and crisp apples and pickles.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 14 ingredients, including optional items like bacon and sardines.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, a dash of sugar is included to balance the tartness of the lemon and apples.
What role does lemon juice play?
Lemon juice adds a bright acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the sour cream.
Can I use canned beets?
The recipe calls for cooked beets; while fresh-cooked is traditional, canned beets can be used as a convenient substitute.
How do I ensure the potatoes and carrots are not mushy?
Cook them only until they are fork-tender and let them cool completely before dicing.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
This salad is intended to be served chilled.
What is the purpose of the lettuce leaves?
The lettuce leaves serve as a decorative lining for the serving bowl, enhancing the presentation.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe requires one cup of sour cream for the dressing.
Who is Mike mentioned in the description?
Mike is the husband of the person who shared the recipe, and he was the one who first brought it to life in their kitchen.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is traditionally served as a side dish in Finland.
How much beet juice is needed?
You will need two teaspoons of beet juice for the dressing.