Beetroot salad with smoked sprat and tuna

Delicious Red Beet Salad with Smoked Fish – Treats for Carolers

Year after year, the holiday season brings us together, and festive meals become the perfect occasion to enjoy delicious dishes. The red beet salad with smoked fish is a simple yet flavorful dish that can impress even the most traditional guests. With a mix of textures and flavors, this recipe will surely become one of your favorites.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 g pickled beets
- 1 small red onion
- 1 can smoked sprat
- 1 can tuna in oil
- 1 tablespoon horseradish cream
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 boiled eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Garnish: olives, hot peppers

Recipe History

Beet salads have a long-standing tradition in global cuisine, being appreciated for their sweet taste and nutritional properties. Red beets are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while the combination with smoked fish adds an umami boost, turning this salad into a true delicacy. Whether you serve it at a holiday meal or as a healthy snack, the beet salad with smoked fish will always be an inspired choice.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the pickled beets are of good quality, as this will influence the final taste of the salad. If you can't find pickled beets, you can use fresh boiled beets, but you will need to pickle them first.

2. Cutting the ingredients
- Beets: Cut the beets into small cubes, about 1 cm. This will allow for even mixing with the other ingredients.
- Onion: Peel the red onion and cut it into small cubes. The red onion adds a sweet and crunchy note, as well as intense flavors to the salad.
- Eggs: Boil the eggs for about 10-12 minutes. Once boiled, let them cool under cold running water and peel them. Cut one of the eggs into small cubes to add to the salad, while the other will be used for garnish.

3. Mixing the ingredients
In a porcelain bowl, combine all the ingredients:
- Add the beets, onion, can of smoked sprat, and can of tuna (drained of oil).
- Add the horseradish cream, capers, and balsamic vinegar. These ingredients add a note of acidity and a pleasant spicy taste.
- Finally, add the mayonnaise and mix gently to avoid crushing the beets. Taste the salad and, if necessary, adjust with salt or more balsamic vinegar.

4. Garnishing and chilling
Transfer the salad to a serving platter and garnish with the other boiled eggs, sliced, olives, and slices of hot pepper for added color and flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The salad is much tastier served cold, and the flavors will intensify.

Useful Tips
- Beets: If you don't have capers, you can substitute with finely chopped green olives or use lemon juice to add acidity.
- Smoked fish: Although sprat and tuna pair perfectly, you can also experiment with smoked salmon or herring.
- Mayonnaise: If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mustard.

Nutritional Benefits
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Beets are high in fiber, and smoked fish provides quality protein. Additionally, horseradish has anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh beets?
Yes, you can use fresh beets, but you will need to boil and pickle them before adding them to the salad.

2. How can I store the salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days.

3. What can I serve with the salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or crackers. You can also combine it with a glass of dry white wine or a fruit cocktail.

A Personal Detail
This salad reminds me of family meals during the holidays. Every year, I would bring a special ingredient, and this year it was horseradish, which added a spicy note, pleasantly surprising everyone. I encourage you to put your personal touch on the recipe and share your moments with loved ones.

I invite you to try this red beet salad with smoked fish – a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring a touch of warmth and joy to your festive meals. Enjoy your meal!