Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Vibrant Beet and Arugula Delight one of my Favorite and I’ve always loved creating dishes that combine simple, fresh ingredients with bold colors and flavors. One day, while strolling through a local farmer’s market, the vibrant red of freshly picked beets caught my eye. It was love at first sight! I grabbed a bunch, knowing I wanted to make something light but flavorful with them. That’s when the idea for this Vibrant Beet and Arugula Delight came to life. With the earthy sweetness of beets and the peppery bite of arugula, I knew it was going to be a winner.
The Perfect Pairings
As I continued brainstorming, I thought about the perfect pairings for the salad. I’ve always enjoyed the combination of crunchy and creamy textures, so I added crisp watermelon radishes and smooth tofu feta. The watermelon radish adds a pop of color and a refreshing crunch, while the tofu feta brings a creamy, tangy twist. I also decided to toss in some toasted pecans for a nutty flavor and a little more texture. The best part is the oil-free balsamic dressing that ties everything together, keeping the dish light and healthy.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
This salad has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for both casual meals and special occasions. I love how easy it is to prepare, but it looks so fancy when plated. The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering. Whether I’m enjoying it on a quiet weeknight or serving it to guests at a dinner party, it never fails to impress. And because it’s vegan and gluten-free, it’s a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions, making it even more versatile.
My Favorite Serving Tips
Whenever I make this salad, I like to roast the beets ahead of time to let them cool and develop their flavor. It’s a great dish to serve alongside grilled vegetables or even with a simple protein like roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu. If you want to make it even more filling, add a few slices of avocado on top for extra creaminess. The dressing can be made in advance too, which is always a time-saver. This Vibrant Beet and Arugula Delight has become a true favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Vibrant Beet and Arugula Delight
- Roasting the beets in foil ensures they stay moist and flavorful. You can roast them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal prep easier.
- After roasting, use a paper towel to rub off the beet skins easily. This keeps your hands stain-free!
- The salad can be adapted based on seasonal ingredients. Swap in your favorite greens, or use golden beets for a more mellow flavor.
- If the balsamic dressing is too tangy for your taste, add a bit more maple syrup to sweeten it, or adjust the lemon juice for brightness.
- To achieve a creamier texture, press the tofu to remove excess water before marinating it in a mixture of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning, and let them cool before adding them to the salad.
- Prepare the dressing a day ahead to let the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge and shake well before using.
Vibrant Beet and Arugula Delight
Dive into a world of flavors with this vibrant beet and arugula salad, where earthy beets meet the peppery bite of arugula, all topped with creamy tofu feta. This dish is a symphony of colors and textures, perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to a gourmet experience at home. The oil-free balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy finish that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this salad is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
4
servings15
minutes1
hour234
kcal1
hour15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Salad
6 medium-sized beets (about 2 lbs), roasted to perfection
5 oz fresh baby arugula leaves
1 red onion thinly sliced for a sharp bite
1 watermelon radish sliced and halved for crunch
½ cup cherry tomatoes halved for sweetness
4 oz tofu feta cheese crumbled or diced
½ cup pecans toasted for nutty flavor
Directions
- Roasting Beets – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the tops off the beets and scrub them clean under running water. Wrap each beet loosely in aluminum foil while keeping them slightly damp to help seasoning adhere. Place them on a lined baking sheet and roast for about 50-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Allow them to cool before peeling off the skins using a paper towel.
- Preparing Dressing – In a mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Assembling Salad – On each serving plate, arrange a bed of fresh arugula. Top with roasted beet pieces, sliced red onion, watermelon radish halves, and cherry tomato halves. Drizzle generously with the prepared dressing and sprinkle crumbled tofu feta and toasted pecans over the top.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- For best results, roast the beets without oil to maintain their natural sweetness and earthy flavor. Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Feel free to add avocado slices or roasted chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 234kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 502mg
- Potassium: 399mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 1010IU
- Vitamin C: 17mg
- Calcium: 115mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ-Vibrant Beet and Arugula Delight
Can I use pre-cooked beets instead of roasting my own?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or vacuum-sealed beets to save time. They will still provide the earthy flavor needed for the salad.
How do I make tofu feta at home?
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate it in lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast for at least 30 minutes to replicate the tangy flavor of feta.
What other nuts can I use if I don’t have pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can be used as alternatives. Just be sure to toast them for extra crunch and flavor.
Is there an oil alternative I can use in the dressing?
This recipe is designed to be oil-free. However, if you prefer a richer dressing, you can add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil for a smoother texture.
Can this salad be meal-prepped ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the beets and prepare the dressing in advance. Keep the salad components separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.
