Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure! This Citrus Beet Avocado Salad is a vibrant symphony of colors, textures, and flavors that will make your palate dance with excitement. Imagine tender roasted beets, creamy avocado, and juicy orange segments coming together in a perfect harmony, topped with a zesty balsamic dressing that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone looking to elevate their meal game, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious and nutritious dining experience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, roasted and diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the beets by washing them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil, ensuring they are tightly sealed.
- Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- While the beets are roasting, prepare the other salad ingredients. Peel and segment the orange, making sure to remove any seeds and pith. Dice the avocado and thinly slice the red onion. Set these ingredients aside.
- Once the beets are cool enough to handle, unwrap them and peel off the skins. The skins should come off easily; if needed, use a paper towel to help remove any stubborn bits. Dice the roasted beets into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced beets, diced avocado, orange segments, and sliced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine them without mashing the avocado.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Roasting Beets: For the most flavorful beets, wrap them individually in foil and roast at a high temperature. This method helps preserve their natural sweetness and creates a tender texture.
- Avocado Perfection: Choose ripe but firm avocados and dice them just before serving to prevent browning. For the best flavor and texture, add avocado at the last minute.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar thoroughly to create an emulsified dressing that coats each ingredient evenly.
- Prep Ahead: You can roast the beets and prepare the ingredients in advance, making this salad perfect for quick meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of freshness, add some chopped fresh herbs like mint or basil just before serving.
- Temperature Tip: Serve the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature to enhance the flavors and maintain the perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
