Lithuanian Beetroot and Kefir Salad

Jane Crompton

This vibrant and refreshing Lithuanian Beetroot and Kefir Salad, known locally as Šaltibarščiai, is a chilled pink-hued soup-salad hybrid that celebrates the bounty of summer. With earthy beets, cooling kefir, and crunchy cucumbers, this dish has long been a staple of Eastern European kitchens, prized for its bold color and restorative flavor—a perfect light meal on a warm day.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Course Soup

Cuisine Other European

Servings bowls

Calories 251 kcal

Equipment

Large Pot
Box grater or food processor
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Chef's Knife

Ingredients

3 medium beets washed and stems removed
2 cups kefir cold; full-fat is preferable
1 cup whole milk plain yogurt for a creamier texture
1 cup English cucumber diced finely
4 large hard-boiled eggs peeled and halved or quartered
3 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt more to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar

Instructions

Cook the Beets: Place unpeeled beets in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 40–45 minutes until fork-tender. Cool under cold water, peel, and grate using a box grater or food processor.
Combine the Liquids: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together kefir, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad: Add grated beets, diced cucumber, and chopped dill into the kefir-yogurt mixture. Stir until well combined. Chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Serve: Ladle into shallow bowls and top each serving with half or a quarter of a hard-boiled egg. Optionally garnish with additional dill.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute kefir and yogurt with plant-based alternatives, such as almond or cashew yogurt and oat kefir.
Beets can be roasted instead of boiled for a deeper, caramelized flavor—wrap in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 209mgSodium: 834mgPotassium: 624mgFiber: 4gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 661IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 276mgIron: 2mg

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