Beet and Arugula Salad

Beet and Arugula Salad

Beet and Arugula Salad

Sliced beets, pecans, raisins,  sliced onions and baby arugula leaves drizzled with a honey balsamic vinaigrette – all the earthy goodness comes together in this lovely colorful salad! The success of any salad lies in fresh ingredients and a right dressing.  And the dressing in this salad is the bomb! A reduction of balsamic vinegar, honey and extra virgin olive oil seasoned with salt and freshly grated black pepper –  sweet and tangy dressing that is insanely delicious. The honey is a great addition to the vinaigrette as it adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the vinegar, plus it helps the dressing remain emulsified.

Grab a bottle of balsamic vinegar and make a balsamic reduction.  Keep it in the fridge at all times. Reducing the balsamic vinegar will alter the tangy flavor into a sweet one. This pairs nicely with lots of salads. Serve the beet arugula salad at your next dinner party –  you won’t be disappointed!!

TO PIN IT

 

Empty a bottle of balsamic vinegar in a pot and bring to a boil.

Lower heat to medium and keep it until it has the consistency of thin maple syrup or until the syrup is reduced by half. Keep an eye on your vinegar while simmering (the vinegar can easily burn towards the end of the simmering process). Set aside to cool down.

Use the desired amount to make the dressing and store the rest in a glass bottle, keep it on hand in the fridge! It goes surprisingly well with lots of food! Drizzle the balsamic reduction over salads, roasted veggies, cheese platter or even over beef, chicken or fish cuts!

Now start building your amazing dressing

In a mason jar, mix the 1/3 cup of the balsamic vinegar reduction and honey. Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and black pepper. Shake well to emulsify!!

Place the beets in a large saucepan and pour in enough water to cover the beets. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover up and let it simmer for 11/2 hours. Drain and set aside to cool down. Peel the beets and slice into medium slices.

Toss the arugula, sliced onions, pecans and raisins in a large bowl. Place the beets around the arugula leaves.Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the salad.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg. /2 lb. 4 oz. beets, scrubbed, rinsed and patted dry
  • 3 cups baby arugula, rinsed and patted dry
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ¾ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 1 bottle of balsamic vinegar, to make the reduction of the balsamic vinegar
  • 150 g. /5 oz. Greek feta cheese

For the dressing:

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup a reduction of balsamic vinegar (prepared earlier)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Salt to taste
  • A dash of freshly grated black pepper

Directions:

How to make a reduction of balsamic vinegar:

  • Empty a bottle of balsamic vinegar in a pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and keep it until it has the consistency ofthin maple syrup or until the syrup is reduced by half. Keep an eye on your vinegar while simmering (the vinegar can easily burn towards the end of the simmering process). Set aside to cool down. Use the desired amount to make the dressing and store the rest in a small glass bottle in the fridge for later use.

To make the salad:

  1. Place the beets in a large saucepan and pour in enough water to cover the beets. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover up and let it simmer for 11/2 hours. Drain and set aside to cool down.
  2. Peel the beets and slice into medium slices.
  3. Toss the arugula, sliced onions, pecans and raisins in a large bowl. Place the beets around the arugula leaves
  4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the salad.

For the dressing:

  • In a mason jar, mix the 1/3 cup of the balsamic vinegar reduction and honey. Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and black pepper.  Shake well and drizzle the vinaigrette over each serving. Enjoy!!

 

If you make this recipe, share your pictures on Facebook! I would love to see your creations!Hashtag them #Hadia's Lebanese Cuisine

Here are some great salads that are worth checking:

 

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