Table of Contents
ToggleBeetroot 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 beets, carrots, 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 cheddar, feta, 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:
-
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
-
Make the Dressing:
-
- In a bowl, combine the oil, milk, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Use a mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
-
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated beets and carrots with the cheese, walnuts, parsley, and minced garlic.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
-
-
-
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 fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which support digestion and heart health.
-
- Carrots provide beta-carotene, essential for eye health and immune function.
- Walnuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, 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 beets, carrots, cheese, and walnuts will surely become a family favorite.