Hearty salads are ideal to have on the menu any time of year, but they’re especially great to serve up in the summer when it’s too hot to make lots of side dishes. I like to serve this Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad in the summer because it is so refreshing with the sunny flavors and fresh, salty cheese. Plus, it’s incredibly pretty. Pairing this with a simple, flavorful protein and you’ve got a complete meal.
To make this easier for me I often roast the beets in advance, or I buy them already prepared. I also peel and segment the citrus and keep them in the refrigerator until I’m ready to make the salad. Then, come dinnertime, I assemble all of the ingredients and the meal is served. I should also mention that I like to serve this in shallow bowls because the salad is so hearty it helps to have it contained!
What I find interesting about this salad is the variety of flavors and textures. The beats and citrus are a dynamic duo of savory and sweet, then the pistachios add a wonderful crunch that’s contrasted with the soft, salty cheese. It’s like you get almost every flavor and texture you can find in every single bite.
In the summer I prefer light flavors so I typically serve this with grilled branzino, grilled shrimp or souvlaki chicken. I’ll have more of my favorite grilling recipes for you later this summer, but these are definitely the ones I always return to and I think would be the best with this salad if you need ideas.
As I begin to think about more summer cooking, I’m dreaming up additional hearty salads that fit the bill. If you have any requests, please let me know. And, if you make this salad for your family, I’d love to hear how you like it. Enjoy!
Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad
Beets and Citrus are one of my favorite flavor combinations. This salad is hearty and deeply flavorful, making it perfect for summer meals. I keep it simple by serving this alongside a light, grilled protein to complete the meal.
Makes 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
3 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and diced
2 oranges, peeled and segmented
1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, torn
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp pepper
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the roasted and sliced beets, orange segments, grapefruit segments, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and torn mint leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are well coated.
Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this roasted beet and citrus salad!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.