Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary symphony of flavors! This Roasted Beet Cherry Salad is not just a dish; it's a vibrant celebration of sweet, tangy, and earthy notes that will elevate your dining experience from mundane to magnificent. With a perfect balance of roasted beets, juicy cherries, and creamy feta, this recipe promises to be your new go-to salad that impresses both health-conscious foodies and gourmet enthusiasts alike.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, roasted and diced
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will allow the beets to roast evenly and develop a sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Wash the beets thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Trim the tops and roots, then wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil.
- 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. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the beets.
- While the beets are roasting, prepare the cherries. Rinse them under cold water, then pit and halve them. Set aside.
- After the beets are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, unwrap the foil and peel the skin off the beets using your hands or a paper towel. The skin should come off easily. Dice the peeled beets into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced roasted beets, halved cherries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients without bruising the greens.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with 3 tablespoons, and add more to taste if desired. Toss the salad gently to ensure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Serve the salad immediately while the beets are still warm, or refrigerate for a short while to serve it chilled. Enjoy your Roasted Beet Cherry Salad as a refreshing and nutritious dish!
Tips
- Roasting Beet Perfection: Choose medium-sized beets for even cooking and wrap them tightly in foil to lock in moisture and enhance their natural sweetness.
- Beet Handling Hack: Wear disposable gloves when peeling roasted beets to prevent staining your hands with their vibrant red color.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor. If out of season, high-quality frozen cherries can be a good alternative.
- Dressing Distribution: Add the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Temperature Trick: Serving the salad with slightly warm beets can enhance the overall flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can roast the beets and prepare ingredients in advance, making this salad perfect for quick meal prep or entertaining.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or almonds, and experiment with different types of cheese like goat cheese for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
