Beet salad with nuts and garlic

Beet salad with nuts and garlic is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the crunch of nuts and the pungency of garlic. Here’s a recipe to create this vibrant and satisfying salad:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed (about 3-4 cups)
• 1/4 cup nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds), chopped and toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beets:

1. Cook the Beets:
   • Boil: Place the peeled and cubed beets in a pot of boiling water. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and let cool.
   • Roast: Alternatively, you can roast the beets. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the beets in aluminum foil and roast for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Let cool, then peel and cube.
2. Cool and Peel:
   • If boiling or roasting, let the beets cool before peeling and cubing them. The skin should come off easily once cooked.

2. Prepare the Nuts:

1. Toast the Nuts:
   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the nuts for about 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Let cool.

3. Make the Dressing:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked and cubed beets with the toasted nuts and crumbled feta cheese (if using).

2. Add Dressing:

   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.

3. Garnish:

   • Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for added flavor and color, if desired.

5. Serve:

1. Chill (optional):

   • For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Serve:

   • Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Beet Preparation: You can use pre-cooked beets if you’re short on time, available in most grocery stores.
• Nuts: Adjust the type and amount of nuts based on your preference and what you have on hand. Adding a touch of sea salt or seasoning can enhance their flavor.
• Cheese: Feta adds a nice tangy contrast, but you can omit it or substitute with goat cheese if preferred.

Enjoy your beet salad with nuts and garlic—it's a colorful, flavorful, and nutritious option that's perfect for any meal!