Fresh, Crisp, and Creamy—The Taste of a Lithuanian Summer! Experience the taste of a true Lithuanian summer with this refreshing Summer Garden Salad with Sour Cream. 🌿 Bursting with vibrant, crunchy vegetables and topped with a generous dollop of creamy sour cream, this simple yet flavorful dish is a seasonal staple in homes across Lithuania. Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats like šašlykai (Lithuanian BBQ skewers), or enjoyed as a light lunch with a slice of dark rye bread, this salad combines health and indulgence in every bite. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the abundance of fresh garden produce—and it comes together in just minutes! 🥒🍞

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🥗 Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Authentically Lithuanian 🇱🇹
• Quick and easy to make
• Vegetarian-friendly
• Light, fresh, and creamy
• Full of seasonal garden veggies
• A perfect match for summer BBQs

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🌞 A Taste of Lithuanian Summer

In Lithuania, food is closely tied to the seasons. While hearty dishes like balta mišrainė (a creamy potato salad) warm the soul in winter, summer is all about fresh, raw vegetables and lighter meals. During the warmer months, gardens overflow with lettuce, radishes, cucumbers, and herbs, inspiring salads like this one. This salad is a nostalgic favorite across generations—whether served at family picnics, countryside gatherings, or everyday dinners.

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🥬 Ingredients & Notes

Here’s what goes into this fresh Lithuanian salad:

• 1 small head of lettuce, shredded
  (Any leafy green will do—garden-grown, Romaine, or iceberg)
• 7 radishes, thinly sliced
  (Adds a peppery crunch and a pop of color)
• ½ English cucumber, sliced into semi-circles
  (Or use small Lithuanian cucumbers if you can find them!)
• 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
• A small bunch of fresh dill, roughly chopped 🌿
  (Dill is essential in Lithuanian summer dishes!)
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
  (Creme fraiche also works if you prefer a milder flavor)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

🔄 Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped tomatoes 🍅
• Diced bell pepper (not traditional, but tasty!)
• Fresh spinach or lamb's lettuce for extra greens
• A squeeze of lemon for brightness

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Prep the veggies:
   Wash all vegetables under cold water and pat dry. Slice the radishes into disks, cucumbers into half-moons, and chop the dill and green onions.
2. Assemble the salad:
   In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, radishes, cucumber, green onions, and dill.
3. Add sour cream & season:
   Spoon in the sour cream, add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and gently mix until all ingredients are coated evenly.
4. Serve immediately!
   This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant flavors. 🥗

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🧊 Storage Tips

Once mixed, this salad is best eaten right away, as the salt and sour cream will cause the vegetables—especially lettuce—to release moisture and soften. If you must store leftovers:

• Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours
• Avoid adding salt and sour cream until just before serving for the freshest results

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🍢 What to Serve It With

This garden salad pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes. Here are some traditional Lithuanian pairings:

• Grilled pork or chicken skewers (šašlykai)
• Boiled new potatoes with butter and dill 🥔
• Dark rye bread with butter
• Cold beet soup (šaltibarščiai) for a full summer feast!

Or simply enjoy it on its own for a light, satisfying vegetarian lunch.