Beet salads have become a versatile and popular dish in many parts of the world, celebrated for their earthy sweetness, vibrant color, and nutritional benefits. The exact preparation and ingredients in beet salads can vary widely based on regional preferences and culinary creativity. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious Beet Salad:
Ingredients:
- Salad:
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- 4 medium-sized beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 2 cups baby arugula or mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Dressing:
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- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Roast and Prepare Beets:
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- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, then wrap them in foil and roast for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Allow them to cool, peel, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast Walnuts:
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- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Salad:
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- In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted beets, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, baby arugula, and chopped parsley.
- Make the Dressing:
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- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Dress the Salad:
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- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss Gently:
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- Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve:
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- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Optional Garnish:
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- Optionally, garnish with additional crumbled feta cheese and a few extra parsley leaves.
- Enjoy:
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- Serve and enjoy this flavorful and colorful Beet Salad!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like sliced oranges, avocado, or a handful of your favorite herbs. The combination of sweet roasted beets, creamy feta, and the crunch of walnuts makes this salad both delicious and satisfying.