ohutusalad

ohutusalad is a term used in Nordic culinary contexts to describe a salad built from very thinly sliced or shaved ingredients. The name derives from the Finnish word ohut, meaning thin, and is used to denote a presentation that emphasizes delicate texture and visual lightness rather than bulk.

Preparation is the defining element: ingredients are shaved into ribbons, wafers, or curls with a sharp knife, mandoline, or peeler. Common components include cucumber, carrot, fennel, radish, cabbage, and potato; fruit such as apple or citrus can add brightness. Dressings are light, often a simple vinaigrette or citrus juice with oil, salt, and a touch of sweetness to complement the ingredients without overpowering their texture. The dish is usually assembled close to serving to preserve crispness and color.

In use, ohutusalad serves as an hors d’oeuvre, a starter, or a garnish on fish or cheese plates. It appears in Finnish home cooking and Nordic restaurant contexts, sometimes under the same umbrella as shaved or ribbon salads in neighboring cuisines.

Nutritionally, it is typically low in calories and high in fiber, with value derived from the chosen vegetables and dressing.

See also: ribbon salad, shaved salad, carpaccio, Nordic cuisine.