Beetroot and Carrot Salad with Walnuts and Cheese

Beetroot and Carrot Salad with Walnuts and Cheese

This Beetroot and Carrot Salad with Walnuts and Cheese is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful dish that combines the earthiness of beets, the sweetness of carrots, and the richness of cheese and walnuts. Tossed together with a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is a perfect side dish for any meal or a light, nutritious lunch. It’s quick to prepare, requires only a few ingredients, and provides a beautiful pop of color to your table. The combination of beetscarrots, and walnuts offers a satisfying crunch, while the dressing adds just the right amount of richness and zest.

Preparation Time:

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes (for boiling beets and carrots)
    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

    • 1 beetroot, cooked
    • 2 carrots, cooked
    • 100g cheese (grated, choose your favorite type such as cheddarfeta, or mozzarella)
    • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 70g walnuts, ground
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced

For the Dressing:

    • 200 ml oil (olive or vegetable oil)
    • 100 ml milk
    • 30 ml lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow mustard)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

    1. Cook the Vegetables:

        • Boil the beetroot and carrots until soft. This should take about 20 minutes. After they’re cooked, allow them to cool.
      • Once cool, grate the beetroot and carrots into strips using a box grater or food processor.
    2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

        • Grate the cheese and chop the parsley finely.
        • Grind the walnuts into small pieces using a food processor or nut grinder.
        • Mince the garlic finely.
    3. Make the Dressing:

        • In a bowl, combine the oilmilklemon juicemustardsaltpepper, and sugar.
      • Use a mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
    4. Assemble the Salad:

      • In a large bowl, combine the grated beets and carrots with the cheesewalnutsparsley, and minced garlic.
      • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
    1. Serve:

      • Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to chill before serving. This salad can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Serving Suggestions:

    • Serve as a side dish to complement grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light meal on its own.
    • Enjoy with some crusty bread or over a bed of leafy greens for extra nutrition.

Cooking Tips:

    • For added flavor, try toasting the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
    • If you want a more creamy dressing, you can substitute the milk with yogurt or sour cream.
  • Feel free to add extra veggies like cucumber or sweetcorn for additional texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

    • Beetroot is rich in fibervitamins, and antioxidants, which support digestion and heart health.
    • Carrots provide beta-carotene, essential for eye health and immune function.
    • Walnuts are packed with healthy fatsprotein, and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting brain health and reducing inflammation.
    • Cheese adds calcium, which is vital for bone health.

Dietary Information:

    • Vegetarian: This salad is completely vegetarian and makes for a healthy, filling meal.
    • Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cheese with vegan cheese or nut-based cheese for a dairy-free option.

Conclusion:

This Beetroot and Carrot Salad with Walnuts and Cheese is a refreshing and healthy dish that offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish. The tangy dressing ties everything together, and the combination of beetscarrotscheese, and walnuts will surely become a family favorite.

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