Looking for a vibrant and nutritious salad that bursts with flavor and crunch? Look no further than this Apple Beet and Walnut Salad with Lemon Miso Vinaigrette! This delightful dish combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the crispness of fresh apples, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, all brought together with a tangy and creamy miso vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side dish for your next gathering, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a salad that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, roasted and diced
- 2 apples, cored and diced
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Wash beets thoroughly and wrap individually in aluminum foil.
- Roast beets in preheated oven for approximately 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Allow to cool completely.
- Once cooled, peel beets and dice into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Core and dice apples into similar-sized cubes as the beets, maintaining consistent texture.
- For the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, miso paste, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large salad bowl, spread mixed greens as the base layer.
- Arrange roasted beet cubes, diced apples, and toasted walnuts evenly over the greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle lemon miso vinaigrette just before serving, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Serve immediately to maintain crisp greens and optimal flavor profile.
Tips
- Roasting Beets: For the best flavor, choose fresh, firm beets. Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness, so don’t skip this step! If you're short on time, you can also use pre-cooked beets available at most grocery stores.
- Toasting Walnuts: Keep an eye on the walnuts while toasting; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in just a few seconds! Stir them frequently and remove them from the heat as soon as they become fragrant.
- Apple Selection: Opt for crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the beets and the richness of the walnuts.
- Vinaigrette Variations: Feel free to experiment with the vinaigrette! Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
- Serving Fresh: To keep the greens crisp, assemble the salad just before serving. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad right before you dig in to maintain that fresh crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
