This roasted beet and walnut salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The beets are roasted until tender and sweet, and the walnuts add a nutty crunch. The dressing is a simple combination of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup, and it adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the salad. The vegan feta cheese adds a salty and creamy element, and it helps to balance out the flavors of the salad.
The inspiration for this salad came to me one day when I was at the farmers market. I saw a beautiful display of fresh beets, and I knew that I had to make something with them. I also had some walnuts on hand, and I thought that they would be a great addition to the salad. I started to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, and eventually I came up with this recipe. I've been making it ever since, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
3 medium beets, peeled and diced
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
4 cups mixed salad greens
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup vegan feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the diced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted beets, walnuts, and mixed salad greens.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Top the salad with crumbled vegan feta cheese before serving.
Why It Works
Roasting the beets brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes them slightly.
The walnuts add a nutty crunch and a bit of protein to the salad.
The dressing is a simple combination of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup, and it adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the salad.
The vegan feta cheese adds a salty and creamy element, and it helps to balance out the flavors of the salad.