Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary masterpiece? This Beet, Lemon, and Walnut Salad is about to revolutionize your dining experience with its stunning colors, incredible textures, and a symphony of flavors that will make your palate dance. Imagine a dish that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the zesty punch of fresh lemon, and the rich, toasty crunch of walnuts – all nestled on a bed of crisp mixed greens. This isn't just a salad; it's a gourmet adventure waiting to happen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cooked beets, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beets by ensuring they are cooked and cooled. If using fresh beets, wash them thoroughly, trim the tops and bottoms, and roast in a 400°F oven wrapped in foil for about 45-60 minutes until tender. Allow to cool, then peel and slice into thin rounds.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Watch carefully and remove from heat when they become fragrant and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a simple vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer. Arrange the sliced beets evenly across the greens.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the beets and greens.
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating of the dressing and serve immediately.
Tips
- Beet Preparation Hack: If you're short on time, use pre-cooked vacuum-sealed beets from the grocery store to speed up your prep.
- Toasting Walnuts: Watch your nuts like a hawk! They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. Remove from heat the moment they become fragrant.
- Dressing Tip: Make your vinaigrette just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Temperature Matters: Serve this salad slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add goat cheese or feta for extra creaminess, or swap walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
