Citrus and Beet Salad

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of root vegetables and makes for a smooth and velvety texture. These beets are no exception! When tossed with the rest of the ingredients and coated with this tangy, citrusy dressing, this chop-chop salad is a filling low-fat option that… um, can’t be “beet”!

SERVES 8–10

• 5 large beets in assorted colors, such as red, golden, and striped
• olive oil, for drizzling
• 2 large navel oranges, peeled and diced
• ¹⁄₂ red onion, finely diced
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup cooked tricolor quinoa
• ³⁄₄ cup dried cranberries
• 5 oz (140 g) honey-glazed pecans, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

DRESSING

• ¹⁄₃ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp orange zest
• 2 Tbsp orange juice
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₈ tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle beets lightly with a bit of olive oil and wrap each one loosely in an individual piece of aluminum foil. Place on a baking pan and roast for 1–1¹⁄₂ hours, or until tender and easily pierced with the tip of a knife. When beets are cool enough to handle, rub them until the peels slip off. If the skin doesn’t easily strip away, the beets probably need more time in the oven.

Cool beets in the refrigerator for several hours, or overnight. When the beets are cold, dice into 1-inch (2¹⁄₂-cm) cubes and combine with the rest of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk dressing ingredients until fully combined and pour over salad, mixing well. Best if eaten immediately, or within 24 hours.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 704)