Beet and Citrus Salad with Toasted Sesame Seeds

This Beet and Citrus Salad with Toasted Sesame Seeds is a refreshing and colorful dish that can brighten up any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a stunning side for dinner, this salad delivers on both taste and presentation. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with the zing of fresh citrus, creating a balance that is simply delightful. And let’s not forget about the crunchy toasted sesame seeds—they add a fantastic texture that complements the salad perfectly.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Beet and Citrus Salad with Toasted Sesame Seeds
• Ingredients
• Roasting Beets
• Cooling and Peeling Beets
• Marinating Onions
• Preparing Citrus
• Assembling the Salad
• Making the Vinaigrette
• Adding the Vinaigrette
• Toasting Sesame Seeds
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Moreover, this recipe is packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for anyone seeking healthier options. As you prepare this dish, you’ll find that each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a flavorful experience. From marinating the onions to toasting the sesame seeds, every step contributes to a satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s jump into making this delicious Beet and Citrus Salad with Toasted Sesame Seeds!

Why This Recipe Works

This Beet and Citrus Salad with Toasted Sesame Seeds is a delightful fusion of earthy roasted beets, vibrant citrus, and a crunchy sesame topping. The roasting process enhances the sweetness of the beets, while the citrus adds a refreshing zest. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance that excites the palate.

Why You’ll Love This Beet and Citrus Salad with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Not only is this salad visually stunning, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor. Perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side dish at dinner, it combines simple ingredients for an unforgettable experience. Plus, the toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender greens and juicy citrus. You will love how easy it is to prepare and how good it makes you feel after enjoying it.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beets, scrubbed (with or without greens attached)
• Salt
• Olive oil
• 1/2 red onion, sliced into thin half moons
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for marinating onions)
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (for marinating onions)
• Pinch of sugar (for marinating onions)
• 4 medium oranges or other citrus
• 4 cups tender spinach, arugula, or chopped beet greens
• 1/4 cup untoasted sesame seeds (white, black, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion or shallot
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for vinaigrette)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (for vinaigrette)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for vinaigrette)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Roasting Beets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, place the scrubbed beets in a baking dish. Drizzle them with some olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Adding about a 1/4-inch of water to the bottom of the dish helps keep the beets moist. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. When it’s time to remove the foil, be careful to avoid steam burns.

Cooling and Peeling Beets

After roasting, let the beets cool enough to handle. To peel, run them under cold water while using your hands to gently rub off the skin. Set aside to cool completely; this makes handling them so much easier for the next steps.

Marinating Onions

While your beets are cooling, let’s work on the onions. In a small bowl, toss the sliced red onions with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of sugar. Allow them to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients. This softens their sharp flavor and adds a nice tang, making them a tasty addition to the salad.

Preparing Citrus

Next up, peel and segment your oranges or chosen citrus fruits. Be sure to remove any seeds and pith, leaving only the juicy segments. These sweet bursts of citrus will bring brightness to your salad, enhancing its overall flavor.

Assembling the Salad

Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to assemble your salad. In a large bowl, combine the roasted and peeled beets, marinated onions, citrus segments, and your choice of greens. Toss gently to combine the ingredients, being careful not to crush the delicate citrus pieces. This is where the magic begins!

Making the Vinaigrette

In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the minced red onion or shallot, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the vinaigrette is well-emulsified. This dressing will tie all the flavors together beautifully.

Adding the Vinaigrette

Drizzle the freshly made vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Toasting Sesame Seeds

In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for about 3-5 minutes. Stir them frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. This adds a delicious crunch and elevates the overall taste of your dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Beet and Citrus Salad topped with the toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal. You could also enjoy it solo as a light lunch packed with greens, vitamins, and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Choose beets of similar size for even cooking; this ensures they roast at the same rate.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
• For added richness, consider sprinkling feta cheese on top before serving. It adds a creamy contrast that many find delightful.

Variations

Feel free to personalize your salad. You can substitute different citrus fruits, like grapefruit or tangerines, for a different flavor profile. Additionally, adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans can provide an extra layer of texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, crumbled goat cheese will give an exciting tang to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beets for this salad?
Yes, canned beets can certainly save time, but fresh roasted beets bring out a sweeter flavor that enhances the salad.

2. How long can I store the salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator.

3. Is this salad vegan?
Absolutely! All ingredients used are plant-based.

4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components during the day but assemble it just before serving for the best results.

5. What dressing can I use instead of the vinaigrette?
A store-bought balsamic vinaigrette or a simple mixture of lemon juice and olive oil work great too.

This Beet and Citrus Salad with Toasted Sesame Seeds is a vibrant, healthful option that will energize your meals and impress your guests. It not only brightens up your table but also packs a nutritious punch, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this beautiful blend of textures and tastes; it’s bound to become an instant favorite among family and friends!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Classic Quiche Lorraine with Bacon
• Classic Quiche Lorraine with Bacon
• Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad
• Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad

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