Rosolli

Rosolli is a traditional Finnish beetroot salad that is commonly served at Christmas and other festive occasions. It is typically composed of diced boiled beets, potatoes, carrots, pickled cucumber, onion, and apples, bound together with a creamy dressing. The dish is noted for its bright red color and a mix of soft and crunchy textures.

Preparation usually involves boiling the vegetables until tender, cooling them, and cutting them into uniform cubes. The chopped onion and cucumber are added, along with the diced apple. A dressing made from sour cream or yogurt mixed with mayonnaise, and seasoned with salt and a touch of sugar (and sometimes vinegar or lemon juice), binds the ingredients. Some households prefer a lighter dressing using just sour cream, while others use more mayonnaise.

Rosolli is most closely associated with Finnish Christmas meals but appears on family tables at other festive times as well. It is commonly served as a side dish alongside joulukinkku (Christmas ham) and other salads. Variations exist across regions and households: some recipes include herring or other fish; vegetarian and vegan versions use plant-based dressings. While the core concept remains consistent—beet-forward, creamy, and colorful—local twists reflect personal and regional tastes.