Beetroot salad - appetizer

Beetroot Salad – Healthy and Tasty Appetizer

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

As winter approaches, it’s not just the time for holidays and family gatherings, but also the perfect moment to enhance our diet with foods that support our immunity. Beetroot is an amazing ingredient, packed with nutrients and health benefits, that can quickly become the star of your meal. This beetroot salad, with a mix of vegetables and a creamy dressing, is not only a healthy choice but also a colorful and flavorful appetizer.

The history of this recipe is closely linked to winter culinary traditions, when root vegetables like beetroot become staple ingredients in many dishes. Its sweet taste, combined with a slight hint of garlic and the freshness of yogurt, transforms this salad into a delicious dish, perfect for festive meals or any occasion when you want to impress.

Ingredients:

- 250 g cooked beetroot
- 2 boiled potatoes
- 400 g white beans (canned)
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 125 ml yogurt
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For garnish:
- Canned corn
- A bit of fresh parsley
- Black olives

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the cooked and cooled beetroot. Use a large-holed grater to get fine strips of beetroot, which will add a pleasant texture to your salad.

2. Potatoes: Peel the two boiled potatoes and cut them into small cubes. They will add a consistent flavor and creamy texture to the dish.

3. Beans: Open the can of white beans and drain the liquid. This will not only reduce the salt in the salad but also prevent it from becoming too wet.

4. Preparing the dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the yogurt, crushed garlic (use a garlic press to get a fine paste), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients combine, and the dressing becomes creamy. If desired, you can add a bit of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

5. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, add the grated beetroot, potato cubes, and white beans. Pour the previously prepared dressing over the vegetables and mix gently, being careful not to crush the potato cubes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Garnishing the salad: Transfer the salad to a serving platter and decorate with corn, sliced black olives, and fresh parsley leaves. This will not only add an attractive appearance but also complement the salad's flavor.

7. Serving: You can serve this salad as an appetizer or a side dish to various main courses. It’s perfect for New Year’s festive meals, as well as for a winter picnic. Enjoy your meal!

Practical Tips:

- Beetroot: Buy fresh, preferably organic beetroot. If you don’t have time to boil it, you can opt for pre-cooked beetroot found in supermarkets.
- Mayonnaise: If you don’t have homemade mayonnaise on hand, you can use a quality store-bought mayonnaise, but I recommend trying to make it at home – it’s healthier and contains no preservatives.
- Vegan Option: If you want to make this salad vegan, replace the mayonnaise with an avocado or tahini-based dressing and use soy yogurt.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

This beetroot salad is not only delicious but also full of nutritional benefits. Beetroot is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, B6, as well as essential minerals like iron and potassium. It helps improve blood circulation, supports liver health, and aids in detoxifying the body. Additionally, yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use raw beetroot?: While cooked beetroot is recommended for a softer texture, you can use raw beetroot, but make sure to grate it finely so it softens in the dressing.
2. What other vegetables can I add?: You can experiment by adding grated carrots or celery for a crunchy note.
3. Can it be stored?: The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but it’s recommended to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Ideal Combinations:

This beetroot salad pairs wonderfully with toasted bread, raw vegetables, or various meat dishes. You can enjoy it alongside a glass of white wine or a fresh cocktail to enhance the flavors.

Some recipes you can try alongside this salad include:
- Baked fish with herbs
- Garlic sauce chicken
- Wild rice with stir-fried vegetables

I hope this beetroot salad recipe inspires you to prepare it at home and include it in your holiday meals. It’s simple, healthy, and most importantly, delicious! Enjoy your meal!