Beet Salad | Recipe from Anita Sahi

Fresh, local ingredients make all the difference in a great dish, and the Templeton Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to find them. Be prepared for beet stains, as the vibrant color of the beets can leave a mark on your hands during preparation. Recently, Sarah, our hospitality manager, visited the market, bringing back vibrant red and golden beets from local farmers. Supporting small growers while enjoying peak-season produce is always rewarding. Inspired by these fresh beets, I created a simple, crunchy beet salad—a perfect blend of earthiness, citrus, and creaminess. With minimal preparation, this dish lets the ingredients shine. Whether as a side or a light meal, this refreshing salad is a celebration of fresh flavors and a delicious recipe.

The Inspiration Behind the Roasted Beet Salad

Freshly picked red and golden beets from the Templeton Farmers’ Market inspired this vibrant salad, showcasing their natural sweetness and earthy depth. Their crisp texture pairs beautifully with citrus zest, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat cheese or crumbled feta cheese, creating a refreshing balance of flavors. Keeping the preparation minimal allows the beets’ freshness to shine, making this salad both simple and satisfying. Adding lemon juice to the dressing enhances the dish’s fresh and vibrant taste. For a complete meal, it pairs wonderfully with roasted sockeye salmon, where the richness of the fish complements the bright, tangy notes of the salad. Whether as a side or a light dish on its own, it’s effortlessly delicious.

The Beauty of Simple Ingredients

This beet salad celebrates simplicity, letting fresh ingredients shine. Red beets add a distinct flavor and visual appeal to the dish. Raw beets retain their natural sweetness and crunch, balanced by citrus, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat cheese. Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey in the dressing, providing sweetness while accommodating dietary restrictions. The mix of earthy, tangy, and creamy flavors creates a refreshing, satisfying bite. Serve it as a side dish or a light meal—either way, it’s effortlessly delicious.

Health Benefits of Beets

Beets are a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a multitude of health benefits that make them a fantastic addition to any diet. Here are some of the key advantages of incorporating beets into your meals:

1. Antioxidant Properties: Beets are loaded with antioxidants, which help protect your body from the damaging effects of free radicals. This can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline.
2. Inflammation Reduction: The anti-inflammatory compounds in beets can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
3. Cardiovascular Health: Rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, beets support heart health by helping to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and decrease inflammation.
4. Cancer Prevention: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of beets may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including colon, stomach, and lung cancer.
5. Digestive Health: High in fiber, beets promote digestive health by supporting beneficial gut bacteria and preventing constipation.
6. Immune System Support: Beets are a good source of vitamin C, which is crucial for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C aids in the production of white blood cells, which fight off infections and diseases.
7. Eye Health: The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin found in beets can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
8. Brain Health: Beets contain nitrates, which may improve blood flow to the brain, potentially reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Incorporating beets into your diet is easy and delicious. Whether you add them to a salad, roast them as a side dish, or use them as a topping for soups and stews, beets are a versatile and nutritious choice.

Beet Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups Red and/or Golden Beets (Julienned or Shredded)
• 3 cups Roasted Beets (as an alternative preparation method)
• 1 Shallot (Sliced) or ½ Red Onion (Finely Minced)
• ½ cup Walnuts (Dry Roasted and Chopped)
• Zest of 1 Orange
• 2 tsp Grainy or Smooth Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Sherry or White Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Fresh Orange Juice
• 2-3 oz Crumbled Goat Cheese
• To Taste Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• To Taste Dill or Parsley (Minced)

Preparation: Red Wine Vinegar

1. Trim and peel the beets, then julienne or shred them. Reserve beet greens for another dish.
2. Thinly slice the shallot or mince the red onion.
3. Dry roast the walnuts in a pan over medium heat until fragrant, then chop once cooled.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine beets, onions, walnuts, and orange zest.
5. Add olive oil, sherry vinegar, orange juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
6. Serve in a bowl or on individual plates, topping with crumbled goat cheese and fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations:

• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
• Use feta or blue cheese instead of goat cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Add arugula or spinach for a heartier salad.
• Pair with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal.
• Try a roasted beet salad with goat cheese and pistachios for a delightful combination of flavors.
• Serve as a side salad to enhance your dining experience with a flavorful and healthy dish.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

Enhance this beet salad with the 2018 White (Viognier & Grenache Blanc), whose crisp acidity and citrus notes perfectly complement the salad’s bright flavors. For a richer pairing, especially with roasted sockeye salmon, the 2017 The Story (Grenache & Syrah) offers deep, fruit-forward notes that balance the beets’ earthy sweetness. Either wine makes for a delightful pairing!

Conclusion

Bring fresh flavors to your table with this vibrant beet salad—simple, delicious, and easy to customize! Try it with your favorite nuts, herbs, or cheese, and pair it with 2018 White or 2017 The Story for the perfect match. Ready to elevate your meal? Explore our wine selection and order your perfect pairing today!

View Recipe