Winter Beet Salad
This recipe is a great one to include in all of your Fall and Winter get-togethers! Not only is it a heart-healthy salad, but is also a balanced mix of sweet and savory and a balanced mix of textures that any pallet will love.
Beets are a heart healthy food due to a combination of compounds found in beets, they are able to enhance blood flow, improve the health of arteries, support lower homocysteine levels and reduce LDL cholesterol!
You have heard the adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, so we are choosing green apples for this recipe. Not only do green apples add a tartness to this salad, but also green apples contain a compound called pectin, a fiber source that works as a prebiotic to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. The pectin found in green apples can help you break down foods more efficiently, while the high fiber content also improves digestive health as well.
Ingredients
4 to 5 medium beets (try yellow and white for a colourful salad!)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 cups salad greens, arugula or spring mix
½ shallot, thinly sliced
arils from 1-2 pomegranates
½ green apple, thinly sliced
¼ cup toasted walnuts
2 ounces goat cheese broken into smaller chunks
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Wrap each beet in a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle generously with olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper. Place the beets on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 90 minutes, or until soft and fork-tender. The time will depend on the size and freshness of the beets.
Remove the beets from the oven, remove the foil, and set aside to cool.
When they are cool to the touch, peel the skins. (Tip: I like to hold them under running water and slide the skins off with my hands).
Let the beets cool and chill them in the fridge until ready to use.
Slice the beets into ¼-inch-thick rounds.
Assemble the salad with the greens, shallots, apples, beets, walnuts, pomegranates and cheese.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Season with salt and pepper and serve.