Turkish Beet and Yogurt Salad (Pancar Salatası)
A vibrant and refreshing side dish, this Turkish Beet and Yogurt Salad combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the tangy creaminess of yogurt, elevated by a symphony of Mediterranean herbs and spices for a truly delightful mezze.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Gloves (optional for handling beets)
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets (about 1 lb or 450g), scrubbed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt 245g
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 15ml
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice 30ml
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 1g
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 0.5g
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 0.5g
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped 8g
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped 4g
- 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped (optional) 10g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the beets are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Once the beets are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool enough to handle. Then, using gloves to avoid staining your hands, peel the beets and dice them into small cubes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and ground cumin. Mix until well combined.
- Add the diced beets to the yogurt mixture and fold them in gently until they are fully coated with the yogurt dressing.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, garnish the salad with the chopped fresh dill, mint, and optional walnuts for an added crunch.
Notes
The sweetness of the beets can vary depending on their size and age. Adjust the amount of lemon juice or add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors according to your taste.
For a vegan version, use a plant-based yogurt alternative and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
This dish can be prepared in advance and is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors develop even more over time.