Bountiful Salad Traditions of Eastern Europe: 35 Wholesome Delights From Romania, Poland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, and Ukraine

A Kaleidoscope of Eastern European Salad Delights

Embark on a culinary adventure through the heart of Eastern Europe as we unveil an array of vibrant and wholesome salad recipes from Romania, Poland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, and Ukraine. Each country boasts a rich cultural heritage and a unique approach to salads, reflecting the abundance of fresh ingredients and time-honored traditions. From hearty beetroot salads to refreshing cucumber delights, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with 35 delightful and diverse salad recipes that celebrate the wealth of flavors found in this enchanting region.

Romania - Captivating Carpathian Flavors

1. Romanian Cabbage Salad:

   • Thinly slice white cabbage and mix it with grated carrots, chopped dill, and scallions.
   • Dress the salad with a tangy vinaigrette made from sunflower oil, white wine vinegar, and a dash of honey. 
   • Explore: Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs – MyFooDen

2. Salată de Vinete (Eggplant Salad):

   • Roast eggplants until tender, then mash them with garlic, sunflower oil, and lemon juice.
   • Serve the smoky eggplant spread with crusty bread for a delightful appetizer.
   • Explore: Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs – MyFooDen

3. Salată de Roșii cu Castraveți (Tomato and Cucumber Salad):

   • Combine juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and red onions.
   • Dress the salad with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and freshly chopped parsley.
   • Explore: Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs – MyFooDen

4. Romanian Bean Salad:

   • Boil white beans until tender and toss them with chopped red bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions.
   • Drizzle the salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette for a refreshing and protein-rich dish.
   • Explore: Olympia - Mushy Beans / Fasole Batuta 300gm – MyFooDen

5. Zacuscă (Romanian Vegetable Spread):

   • Roast bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants until charred. Peel and chop them finely.
   • Cook the vegetables with sautéed onions and garlic until they form a flavorful spread.
   • Explore: zacusca - MyFooDen

Poland - Hearty and Wholesome Fare

6. Polish Beetroot Salad (Buraczki):

   • Grate cooked beetroots and mix them with grated horseradish, sour cream, and a touch of lemon juice.
   • Serve this vibrant and earthy salad as a side or a topping for open-faced sandwiches.

7. Mizeria (Polish Cucumber Salad):

   • Slice cucumbers thinly and toss them with sour cream, chopped dill, and a pinch of sugar.
   • This refreshing salad is a perfect accompaniment to hearty Polish dishes.
   • Explore: Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs – MyFooDen

8. Bigos Salad (Hunter's Stew Salad):

   • Combine sauerkraut, cooked shredded cabbage, chopped apples, and sausage slices.
   • Dress the salad with a mustard-honey vinaigrette for a twist on the classic bigos stew.
   • Explore: Bigos - MyFooDen

9. Polish Potato Salad (Sałatka Jarzynowa):

   • Boil potatoes and carrots until tender, then mix them with peas, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs.
   • Bind the ingredients with mayonnaise and mustard for a comforting and satisfying salad.

10. Polish Herring Salad (Sałatka Śledziowa):

    • Soak herring fillets to remove excess salt and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
    • Mix the herring with diced potatoes, beetroots, apples, and pickles, then dress with sour cream and chopped dill.
    • Explore: Fish Delicacies – MyFooDen

Italy - Flavors of the Mediterranean

11. Caprese Salad:

    • Layer sliced ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.
    • Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
    • Explore: mozzarella - MyFooDen

12. Panzanella Salad:

    • Tear day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and toss them with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
    • Dress the salad with a mixture of red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh basil.
    • Explore: Oil, Vinegar & Condiments – MyFooDen

13. Insalata di Rucola e Parmigiano (Arugula and Parmesan Salad):

    • Toss peppery arugula with shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts.
    • Dress the salad with a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette for a simple yet flavorful dish.
    • Explore: Oil, Vinegar & Condiments – MyFooDen

14. Italian Tuna Salad:

    • Combine canned tuna with cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and olives.
    • Dress the salad with a mixture of red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and oregano.
    • Explore: tuna - MyFooDen

15. Tricolore Salad:

    • Arrange layers of avocado slices, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes on a plate.
    • Drizzle with a basil pesto vinaigrette for a colorful and appetizing salad.
    • Explore: Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs – MyFooDen

Lithuania - Embracing Nature's Bounty

16. Lithuanian Potato Salad:

    • Boil potatoes until tender, then mix them with diced pickles, carrots, and peas.
    • Bind the salad with mayonnaise and add a touch of mustard and dill for extra flavor.
    • Explore: Sauces & Dressings – MyFooDen

17. Šaltibarščiai (Cold Borscht Soup):

    • Combine grated beetroots with buttermilk, kefir, or sour cream for a refreshing and vibrant soup.
    • Serve with chopped fresh dill and boiled eggs for a traditional Lithuanian delight.
    • Explore: borsch - MyFooDen

18. Herring Under a Fur Coat (Silke Po Ruski):

    • Layer diced herring, grated beetroots, potatoes, carrots, and onions on a plate.
    • Top the salad with a thick layer of mayonnaise and garnish with grated boiled eggs.
    • Explore: Fish Delicacies – MyFooDen

19. Šakotis Salad (Tree Cake Salad):

    • Mix shredded Šakotis (Lithuanian tree cake) with fresh berries and a touch of powdered sugar.
    • This unique dessert salad captures the essence of a beloved Lithuanian delicacy.

20. Šviežia Moliūgų Salotos (Fresh Pumpkin Salad):

    • Dice fresh pumpkin into cubes and roast until tender.
    • Mix the pumpkin with feta cheese, arugula, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
    • Dress the salad with a honey-mustard vinaigrette for a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.
    • This pumpkin salad celebrates the autumn harvest and brings a burst of color and freshness to your table.
    • Explore: Lithuanian Food | Lietuviska Parduotuve – MyFooDen

Latvia - Embracing Nature's Bounty

21. Latvian Herring Salad (Rūgušu Zupa):

• Soak herring fillets to remove excess salt and dice them into small pieces.
• Combine the herring with diced boiled potatoes, onions, and pickles.
• Mix in sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and chopped fresh dill to create a delightful and tangy herring salad.
• Explore: Fish Delicacies – MyFooDen

22. Rasol (Latvian Potato and Beet Salad):

• Boil potatoes and beetroots until tender, then peel and dice them.
• Mix the potatoes and beetroots with grated carrots, chopped pickles, and green peas.
• Bind the salad with a dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped parsley.
• Explore: Latvian Food | Latviešu ēdiens – MyFooDen

23. Šašlika Salāti (Latvian Shashlik Salad):

• Combine diced marinated shashlik (grilled meat skewers) with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
• Dress the salad with a zesty vinaigrette made from red wine vinegar, vegetable oil, and a touch of honey.
• Explore: All Fresh Meat & Specialties – MyFooDen

24. Latvian Potato and Herring Salad (Olivier Salad):

• Boil potatoes and carrots until tender, then dice them.
• Mix the potatoes and carrots with diced herring fillets, pickles, green peas, and hard-boiled eggs.
• Bind the salad with mayonnaise and garnish with fresh dill for a festive and comforting dish.

25. Latvian Smoked Fish Salad (Dūmu Zivju Salāti):

• Flake smoked fish, such as salmon or mackerel, and mix it with chopped onions and boiled potatoes.
• Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a delectable smoked fish salad.

Russia - From the Heart of the Motherland

26. Russian Olivier Salad:

• Dice boiled potatoes, carrots, pickles, and boiled eggs.
• Mix the ingredients with boiled peas and diced ham or bologna.
• Bind the salad with mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper.
• Explore: Russian Shop | Продукция российского производства – MyFooDen

27. Vinegret (Russian Beetroot Salad):

• Boil beetroots, potatoes, and carrots until tender, then dice them.
• Mix the diced vegetables with chopped onions and pickles.
• Dress the salad with sunflower oil and apple cider vinegar.
• Explore: Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs – MyFooDen

28. Russian Cucumber and Radish Salad:

• Slice cucumbers and radishes thinly, then toss them together.
• Dress the salad with sour cream or yogurt and chopped fresh dill.

29. Herring Under a Fur Coat (Seledka Pod Shuboy):

• Layer diced herring, grated boiled potatoes, grated boiled carrots, grated beetroot, and diced onions on a plate.
• Cover the salad with a thick layer of mayonnaise and garnish with grated boiled eggs.

30. Olivier Salad with Salmon (Salad Stolichny):
    • Prepare the classic Russian Olivier salad as mentioned above.
    • Add flaked smoked or grilled salmon to elevate the flavors and create a luxurious twist.

Ukraine - A Feast of Colors and Flavors

31. Ukrainian Vinaigrette Salad:

    • Boil beetroots, potatoes, and carrots until tender, then dice them.
    • Mix the diced vegetables with cooked green peas and chopped onions.
    • Dress the salad with sunflower oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of mustard.
    • Explore: Ukrainian Products | Ukrainian Food | український магазин – MyFooDen

32. Ukrainian Cabbage and Apple Salad (Svichado Salat):

    • Shred white cabbage and grate apples, then mix them together.
    • Dress the salad with sour cream and a hint of lemon juice for a refreshing and crunchy delight.

33. Ukrainian Radish and Cucumber Salad:

    • Slice radishes and cucumbers thinly and toss them together.
    • Dress the salad with yogurt, chopped fresh dill, and a sprinkle of black pepper.

34. Ukrainian Beetroot and Apple Salad:

    • Boil beetroots until tender, then dice them.
    • Mix the beetroots with grated apples and raisins.
    • Dress the salad with a honey-vinegar dressing and garnish with chopped walnuts.

35. Ukrainian Chicken Salad (Salat Iz Kuritsy):

    • Boil chicken breast until fully cooked, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
    • Mix the chicken with cooked potatoes, peas, carrots, and diced pickles.
    • Bind the salad with mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper for a hearty and satisfying dish.

A Diverse Tapestry of Eastern European Salads

With 35 wholesome and enticing salad recipes from Romania, Poland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, and Ukraine, you've been treated to a diverse tapestry of Eastern European flavors.

Each country's culinary heritage shines through in these salads, showcasing a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and a touch of modern creativity. Whether you're savoring the earthy flavors of Romanian Cabbage Salad, indulging in the Mediterranean charm of Caprese Salad from Italy, or embracing the heartiness of Lithuanian Šaltibarščiai, these salads invite you to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the wealth of recipes found in this captivating region.

Enjoy the abundance of Eastern European salad delights and allow your taste buds to dance amidst a symphony of flavors and textures!