Balta Mišrainė is a traditional Lithuanian boiled vegetable salad made with potatoes, carrots, peas, gherkins, eggs, and mayonnaise. Creamy, colorful, and full of flavor, it’s a festive dish served during holidays like Christmas and Easter and loved at everyday family gatherings. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or hearty lunch with rye bread.
Ingredients
- 800 g potatoes, unpeeled
- 400 g carrots, unpeeled
- 4 large eggs, hard-boiled
- 150 g peas (canned, frozen, or fresh boiled for 3 mins)
- 150 g gherkins (dill pickles), finely chopped
- 220 g mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Scrub unpeeled potatoes and carrots to remove any dirt.
- Place carrots at the bottom of a large pot, then layer potatoes on top. Cover with boiling water. Boil until fork tender, around 25–35 minutes.
- Drain vegetables and let them steam dry in a colander until cool.
- While the veggies cool, hard-boil the eggs. Rinse under cold water, peel, and chop.
- Once cooled, peel and dice potatoes and carrots into small cubes.
- Chop eggs and gherkins to a similar size.
- Drain canned peas (or cool boiled peas) and add to the bowl.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Fold in the mayonnaise until all ingredients are well coated.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Looking for a hearty, wholesome salad that’s packed with nostalgia and flavor? Say hello to Balta Mišrainė 🇱🇹 – Lithuania’s beloved White Salad, a comforting blend of boiled vegetables, chopped eggs, and crunchy pickles, all wrapped up in creamy mayonnaise. This traditional dish is a must-have at every Lithuanian celebration, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday feasts like Christmas and Easter.
✨ What Is Balta Mišrainė?
“Balta Mišrainė” literally means "white salad" – a name inspired by its snowy, mayo-coated appearance. Think of it as Lithuania’s answer to Russian Salad (or Olivier Salad), but with its own unique charm and history. During years of cultural exchange and occupation, Lithuanians adopted and transformed culinary influences from Germany, Poland, and Russia. Balta Mišrainė is one delicious outcome – a creamy, colorful salad that has stood the test of time. Whether served as a side dish, starter, or sandwich filler, this salad evokes home, heritage, and hearty flavors. It’s a staple at any gathering, easy to make in large batches, and always a crowd-pleaser.🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
These humble ingredients come together to create magic. Here's what you’ll need to make a generous bowl:- 🥔 800g potatoes (unpeeled) – choose waxy or all-purpose varieties
- 🥕 400g carrots (unpeeled)
- 🥚 4 eggs, hard-boiled
- 🌱 150g peas – traditionally canned, but fresh or frozen work too
- 🥒 150g gherkins (dill pickles), finely chopped
- 🥄 220g mayonnaise – full-fat or light, according to preference
- 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🥔 Best Potatoes for the Perfect Texture
The key to a great Balta Mišrainė lies in the potato texture. You want spuds that hold their shape after boiling.- In the UK: Charlotte potatoes, Jersey Royals, Baby New Potatoes
- In the US: Yukon Gold, Fingerling, Inca Gold
👩🍳 How to Make Lithuanian White Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Wash the Veggies: Scrub potatoes and carrots thoroughly. No need to peel yet!
- Boil the Vegetables: Place carrots in a large pot first, then layer potatoes on top. Cover with boiling water and cook until just tender – about 25–35 minutes.
- Cool Down: Drain and let the vegetables cool completely in a colander. This helps prevent mushiness when dicing.
- Boil the Eggs: In the meantime, hard-boil the eggs. Cool them under cold water, then peel and chop.
- Peel & Dice: Once cooled, peel the potatoes and carrots. Dice everything – including eggs and gherkins – into small, uniform cubes.
- Add the Peas: Drain canned peas or quickly boil fresh/frozen ones, then cool and add to the mix.
- Season & Dress: Add salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the mayonnaise until well combined.
- Chill & Serve: Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
🧺 Serving Suggestions
Balta Mišrainė is incredibly versatile. Here are popular ways it’s served in Lithuania:- 🥗 As a Salad Centerpiece: Serve chilled in a large bowl during holiday meals or gatherings.
- 🍖 Alongside Roasted Meats: Perfect with pork roast, grilled sausages, or traditional šašlykai.
- 🍞 With Rye Bread: Spread over dense Lithuanian rye bread for a hearty lunch or snack.
- 🍽️ As an Appetizer: Present in individual cups or small plates as part of a zakuski spread.
🌿 Variations to Try
Each Lithuanian family has their own twist on Balta Mišrainė. Here are some tasty additions you might find:- 🍖 Diced ham or pork baloney
- 🌿 Fresh dill or parsley
- 🍋 A splash of lemon juice or vinegar for tang
- 🧅 Spring onions or scallions for bite
❄️ Storage Tips
Balta Mišrainė is perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers:- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To prevent sogginess, some prefer storing chopped vegetables separately and mixing in mayo right before serving.
🇱🇹 Why You'll Love This Traditional Lithuanian Salad
✅ Incredibly easy to make ✅ Uses affordable, everyday ingredients ✅ A crowd-pleasing classic for any celebration ✅ Rich in heritage and homestyle comfort📝 Final Thoughts
Balta Mišrainė isn’t just a salad—it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and togetherness. Whether you're exploring Lithuanian cuisine for the first time or recreating your grandmother's holiday table, this creamy vegetable medley is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. 💛