Creamy Beet Salad

Creamy Beet Salad
Serves 2
Can be doubled | Can be halved | Makes great leftovers

In this recipe, simply steamed beets are paired with a ridiculously easy dressing and some crisp raw red onion to create an elegant appetizer or side dish that is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. While beets are available all year round, their peak season around these parts is from June through October, so I’ve been taking advantage of the gorgeous varieties available from our local farmers lately. When you buy a bunch, save those beet greens too – they’re fantastic sauteed with a touch of garlic or added to soups!   ~ Susan

Ingredients:

2 medium-small beets, or 1 large
2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion or sweet vidalia onion
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
optional – chopped parsley, dill or chervil for garnish

Instructions:

Scrub the beets well or peel them.

Slice into thin slices.

Steam beet slices for 3 minutes or just until fork-tender.

Let beet slices cool to room temperature.

In a small dish combine mayo, vinegar, a touch of salt and a good dose of pepper.

Place beets, red onion, and dressing mixture into a mixing bowl and toss gently just until combined. Divide equally onto two plates.

Garnish with fresh chopped herb of your choice and serve!

Serving Suggestions:

I like this salad on its own as an appetizer or snack.

It’s a great side dish for lemony grilled chicken, along with some green vegetables such as steamed broccoli, asparagus or green beans or a green salad.

Roasted Beets, Turnips & Carrots

Roasted Beets, Turnips & Carrots
Serves 2
Can be doubled | Can be halved | Makes great leftovers

Lately I’ve been craving beets, so I picked up a bunch from our farmer friends down the road. When I roast beets I like to mix them up with other vegetables. Here’s a great trio – the colors are lovely and you get three distinctly different flavors in each bite. The mellow carrots, the sweet, earthy beets and dare I say ever so slightly “bitter” turnips are a great combination! Any of them roasted by themselves are fine, but when roasted together like this they all shine. I’d serve this medley as a side dish for chicken or turkey, or even alongside simply herbed and grilled fish with a wedge of lemon.     ~ Susan

Ingredients:

1 large turnip
2 medium beets
2 large carrots
2 teaspoons olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350. Cut all the vegetables into 3/4 inch cubes.

Toss them in a mixing bowl with the oil, salt & pepper until evenly coated.

Arrange in a single layer in a casserole or baking dish, and cover with foil or casserole lid.

Let vegetables roast, covered, for about 35-45 minutes, just until tender and very lightly browned on the bottoms. They’re ready!

Serving Suggestions:

You’ve got a classic roasted vegetable side dish here, pair it with herbed chicken or turkey, or try the grilled fish suggestion! Halibut, tilapia, even a simply broiled filet of sole would be great.

These roasted gems would also go very well with the Savory Baked Tofu recipe I posted a couple of months ago.