Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Recipe From: Laura

 



Zippy arugula, toasted maple pecans, soft feta cheese, sweetened cranberries and roasted hearty beets topped with a  sweet tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette is a perfect combination!  The variety of ingredients ties in the flavors just fabulously.   The dressing has become one of my favs!!  This salad reminds me of one that would be served in a fancy restaurant.  Oh, and if you're not a fan of beets, you will be now.  😋😉 lol !  Add  some chicken or salmon for protein.  A heads up, the beets take 1.5 hrs to bake so plan accordingly.    

FOR THE SALAD:

16 ounces baby arugula

3 large beets peeled and roasted


FOR THE MAPLE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons stone ground mustard

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon


MAPLE TOASTED PECANS:

1 cup raw pecans

2 tsp avocado oil

2 Tbsp pure maple syrup

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp sea salt


FOR SERVING:

1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles or feta cheese

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Fresh cracked pepper


INSTRUCTIONS

ROAST THE BEETS:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Scrub the beets and wrap each in aluminum foil. Place beets on a baking sheet and roast until very soft when poked with a fork, about 90 minutes. Allow beets to cool enough to handle. Unwrap them from the foil, peel them using a potato peeler or paring knife, and chop them into wedges.

MAKE THE MAPLE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:

Add all ingredients for the vinaigrette to a small blender and blend until smooth.

TOAST THE PECANS:

Add the ingredients for the maple toasted pecans to a small skillet and heat over medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pure maple syrup comes to a full boil, begins to burn off, and the nuts become toasted and sticky. Be careful to keep a watchful eye on the nuts, and constantly stir to avoid burning them!

 PREPARE THE SALAD:

Add the arugula to a large serving bowl and toss in desired amount of Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Serve salad with roasted beet wedges, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and feta or goat cheese.

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