Citrus Beet Salad

Recipe 30 minPreparation Time 35 minCooking Time
Citrus Beet Salad

Citrus Beet Salad

30 minPreparation Time 35 min Cooking Time

About this Recipe

Sunny oranges and fresh beets come together in a salad that doubles up on vivid color and vitamin C (and folates, too). The Meyer lemon vinaigrette also works great with any salad featuring soft and/or bitter greens (lettuces and radicchio) and herbs. The tang and punch of pickled onions and the crunch of freshly toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds complete this vegan option — nobody will miss the cheese. Use a variety of oranges and beets for more color.

The Benefits

Both beets and oranges are excellent sources of folate (vitamin B9), which plays an important role in mitigating damage to blood vessels, and helping to lower the risk of heart disease. You might be surprised that beets are high vitamin C, too. We love beets because they also provide dietary fiber, which can benefit your digestion (by promoting healthy gut flora) and reduce risk of chronic disease.

Ingredients

Serves 4

Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Meyer lemon juice (from 2 or 3 small lemons)
  • 3 Tbsp (45 ml) white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) honey
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Citrus Beet Salad

  • 4 (790 g) medium beets
  • 3 or 4 oranges (a mix such as blood orange, Cara Cara and sweet orange is great)
  • 1 grapefruit
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) Quick-Pickled Red Onion with Mint & Dill (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 Tbsp (15 g) pumpkin seeds
  • 2 Tbsp (15 g) sunflower seeds
  • 2 Tbsp (6 g) chopped fennel fronds
  • 1 Tbsp (4 g) chopped chives
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Step 1
    Make the vinaigrette: By making it first, you allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the salad. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, and salt until the salt has dissolved. Whisk in the olive oil and honey and set aside.
  2. Step 2
    Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Wash the beets and trim off the greens, leaving about an inch above the stem. Boil the beets until tender, about 30 minutes for medium-size beets.
  3. Step 3
    While the beets are boiling, cut the oranges into rounds. Using a sharp knife, trim a little off the top and bottom of each orange so that there are two flat ends. Set an orange flat on your cutting board and cut away the peel and white skin from top to bottom, working your way around the fruit. Repeat with each orange. Cut each orange crosswise into ½-inch slices. (You can cut some oranges in half lengthwise and slice into half-circles, if you like.) Remove the seeds. Do the same for the grapefruit. Set aside.
  4. Step 4
    When the beets are finished, drain and let cool for a few minutes. Rinse them under cold running water and rub off the skins with your fingers and remove the stems. Cut the beets into ½-inch slices. Set aside.
  5. Step 5
    Toast the nuts and seeds: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds to the dry, hot pan, shaking or stirring frequently. Toast until golden brown and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  6. Step 6
    Arrange the beets, orange and grapefruit slices and grapefruit slices in overlapping circles on a platter or large plate. Scatter the pickled onions over the top (if using).
  7. Step 7
    Whisk the herbs into the vinaigrette and pour the dressing all over the beets, citrus, and onions (if using). Sprinkle the nuts and seeds all over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Substitutions: All kinds of citrus can be used, as can beets of any color. You also can use various herbs, nuts, and seeds.

Try It With: This makes a good side for just about any main, such as pasta or grilled tofu, or with grains or legumes.

Zero Waste: Use those beet greens.

Photo by Jeni Afuso

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