Russian Beet Salad Recipe » LeelaLicious (2024)

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This Russian Beet Salad is made from grated cooked beets, combined with mayo and sour cream for creaminess. Garlic and chopped nuts complete the flavor and texture profile.

Russian Beet Salad Recipe » LeelaLicious (1)

Welcome to Day 2 of Beet Week! If you have missed yesterday's intro, check it out here.

There also is a giveaway for an awesome food processor (at the bottom) and a recipe for delicous red (beet) pasta in yesterday's post.

So yesterday, we had beets for dinner as an awesome pasta, and today, we have beet salad. Yum!

Russian Beet Salad Recipe » LeelaLicious (2)

Beets Have a Transforming, Fascinating Flavor Profile

I am always amazed with beets. First of all, there is the amazing, intoxicating colour once you remove the (sometimes very dirty-looking) skin.

And then there is the flavor. Raw, they tasteso earthy and kind ofwild. Then you cook (or roast) them and they turnalmost sweet! I am not saying that the earthiness completely disappears when they are cooked, but (depending on cooking time) it is greatly reduced.

This flavor transformation is definitely happening in this Russian Beet Salad as well.

Russian Beet Salad Recipe » LeelaLicious (3)

This Russian Recipe Comes From Mom

As with most Russian recipes (or more accurately the countries of the Former Soviet Union), I learned this beet salad from my mom. I have helped her make this salad on many occasions, but usually I was just grating the beets. I let my momapply her expertise in fine-tuning the remaining ingredients for aperfect creamy texture.

This harvest season, I suddenly found myself with a surplus of beets. With my mom 8 hours away, I decided it was time to learn to make this Russian Beet Salad all by myself - from start to finish.

The Recipe Begins With Cooking the Beets

First, the beets must be cooked. I place them in a saucepan covered in water and boil them on medium heat until they are very soft. This takes 45-60 minutes. You can also roast the beets in the oven or steam them in the Instant Pot.

Next, I need disposable gloves. They are essential when preparing red beets and you don't want to run around with stained fingers for the next 24 hours or so.

Once the beets are cooked, you can pretty much just pull off the skin - no need for a peeler. To grate the beets, a food processor with shredding disc comes in very handy (Hint hint: I am giving one away here). But since they are quite soft when cooked, a handheld graterdoes a quick job too.

Russian Beet Salad Recipe » LeelaLicious (4)

Add Garlic, Mayo/Sour Cream, and Nuts!

The salad is seasoned with just salt + pepper, parsley, and a healthy dose of pressed or grated garlic. The garlic is a perfect companion to beets (in my opinion), but feel free to scale down the garlic to taste.

The creaminess of the salad comes from a mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream. The amounts I mention in the recipe box below are approximates. Since beets don't come in all uniform sizes, feel free to also adjust these as needed.

And now my favorite part of the salad: nuts! I love the crunchy texture contrast thatthe nuts (use pecans or walnuts) provide to the creamy salad.

A few more nuts and parsley for garnish and there you have a colorful and oh-so-flavorful salad!

Russian Beet Salad Recipe » LeelaLicious (5)

Creamy Russian Beet Salad

5 from 4 votes

This Russian Beet Salad is made from grated cooked beets, combined with mayo and sour cream for creaminess. Garlic and chopped nuts complete the flavor and texture profile.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Salad

Cuisine Russian

Servings 6 servings (as a side)

Ingredients

  • 3 medium beets ~1.5 pounds/680 g
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves pressed or grated
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • extra parsley and nuts for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the beets in a large saucepan with plenty of water until they are very soft (45-60 minutes).

  • When the beets have cooled enough, pull off the peel (using disposable gloves) and grate the beets.

  • Combine the grated beets with mayonnaise, sour cream, nuts, garlic, parsley and salt & pepper to taste.

  • Garnish salad with nuts and parsley. Chill for at least 1 hour for flavors to meld together.

Keyword Russian Beet Salad

Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment below! Share a picture on social media with tag #leelalicious !

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Russian Beet Salad Recipe » LeelaLicious (6)

More Delicious, Colourful Salad Recipes

Check out these similar salad recipes!

  • Corn Avocado Salad
  • Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
  • Green Goddess Salad

Random Questions

What is a Russian beet salad?

A Russian beet salad is a dish made from grated cooked beets, combined with mayo and sour cream for creaminess. It often includes garlic and chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

Where did beet salad come from?

Beet salad has its roots in Russian cuisine, where it has been a popular dish for generations. It is known for its vibrant colors and rich, earthy flavors that are characteristic of Russian cooking.

What is beetroot salad made of?

Beetroot salad typically consists of cooked beets that are grated or thinly sliced, mixed with various ingredients such as garlic, herbs, and a dressing made from a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream. Nuts are often added to provide a crunchy texture.

What is Russian salad dressing made of?

Russian salad dressing is typically made of a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream, combined with seasonings such as salt, pepper, and sometimes mustard or vinegar. This creamy dressing is commonly used in various Russian salads, including beet salad.

Why is Russian dressing so good?

Russian dressing is known for its rich and creamy texture, along with its well-balanced flavors. The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream provides a smooth and velvety base, while the addition of spices and herbs adds depth and complexity to the overall taste. The dressing's versatility allows it to complement a variety of ingredients, making it a popular choice for many dishes.

Russian Beet Salad Recipe » LeelaLicious (2024)

FAQs

How to make beet root salad? ›

Unwrap the beets and let them cool. Meanwhile, whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl to make dressing. When the beets are cool enough to handle, slip off the skins. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.

How much protein is in beet salad? ›

Beets, Pickled, Beet Salad (1 cup, sliced) contains 27.5g total carbs, 23.1g net carbs, 0.1g fat, 1.4g protein, and 110 calories.

How long does beet salad last in fridge? ›

How to Store Beet Salad. Cooked beets will last for three to five days in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container or heavy-duty aluminum foil for best results. To freeze beets for salad, store them (cubed or whole) in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to eight months.

Why do you put vinegar in beets? ›

Beets are naturally sweet and earthy, making them a versatile vegetable to incorporate into your meals. By adding vinegar to the boiling process, you can elevate the flavors of beets and give them a delightful tangy kick.

How healthy is beetroot salad? ›

Beets are rich in folate (vitamin B9), which helps cells grow and function. Folate plays a key role in controlling damage to blood vessels, which can lower your chances of heart disease and stroke. Beets are naturally high in nitrates, which are turned into nitric oxide in the body.

Is Alia Bhatt beetroot salad healthy? ›

It is therefore a fantastic vegetable for weight loss. Per 100 g serving, beets include just 43 calories, 2.8 grammes of fiber, and 10 grammes of complex carbs. Among other health advantages, beet juice has been linked to increased blood flow and lowered blood pressure. Let's take a look at the delicious salad recipe.

Can diabetics eat beet salad? ›

Are beets okay for a diabetes diet? Beets make a great addition to a diabetes diet not only because they are low in calories, but also since one cooked cup contains only 13g carbohydrate. Rich in fibre they can also help prevent surges in blood sugar levels.

What is the healthiest part of a beet? ›

Beets do not have a significant amount of fat but do naturally contain some sodium. The leaves and stems of beets are edible, contain few calories or macronutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrates), and are a source of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A and K, calcium, and potassium.

Is beet salad good for diabetics? ›

Beets are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that have proven health benefits for everyone. Consuming beets appears to be especially beneficial for people living with diabetes. Beets can help lower the risk of complications that may arise from an unmanaged condition, including nerve damage and eye damage.

Is beetroot salad good for you? ›

Health benefits of beets include more stamina during exercise, heart disease and stroke prevention, and lower blood pressure. You can roast, grate, or put them into soups and salads. If you're prone to kidney stones or gout, avoid beets or limit how much you eat.

Is beet root better raw or boiled? ›

You can even enjoy them raw, either sliced thinly or grated. Choose beets that feel heavy for their size with fresh, unwilted green leafy tops still attached, if possible. Because dietary nitrates are water-soluble, it's best to avoid boiling beets if you'd like to maximize their nitrate content.

Can beetroot be eaten as salad? ›

Beetroot salad, a delicious and protein packed salad made with beets, lentils, fresh coconut, coriander leaves and lemon juice. This easy to make salad is so quick to make, that you just need to toss all of the ingredients in a bowl and you are done.

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