Roasted Beet Kale Salad with Candied Walnuts: A Flavorful and Healthy Delight
Roasted beet kale salad with candied walnuts is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets perfectly complements the peppery bite of kale, while the crunchy candied walnuts add a delightful textural contrast.
This salad is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make this salad a visually appealing centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing lunch or a satisfying side dish to accompany your dinner, this salad is sure to impress.
With its versatility and adaptability, you can customize it to your liking, adding different toppings, dressings, and variations to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients and Preparation
This vibrant and flavorful salad is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring earthy roasted beets, crisp kale, and sweet candied walnuts. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
That roasted beet kale salad with candied walnuts was so good last night, I’m already thinking about how to use it for breakfast! I love finding creative ways to use leftovers, and I’m always on the lookout for new ideas.
For some inspiration, check out this great article on 5 ways to turn last night’s leftovers into a morning breakfast. I bet the roasted beets would be delicious in a frittata or even on top of yogurt! Maybe I’ll try a different approach this time – a savory oatmeal with kale and beet purée sounds pretty good.
Roasting Beets and Kale, Roasted beet kale salad with candied walnuts
Roasting beets and kale enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. The roasting process also tenderizes the beets and adds a delightful smoky aroma.
Sometimes, getting back on track with healthy habits can feel like a monumental task. But, it can be as simple as finding small joys in the everyday. For me, that joy comes from whipping up a vibrant roasted beet kale salad with candied walnuts.
It’s a reminder that healthy eating can be delicious and satisfying, and that rediscovering lost healthy habits can be a journey of small, rewarding steps. Plus, the sweet and earthy flavors of this salad are just the thing to get me excited about nourishing my body from the inside out! Check out these tips for rediscovering lost healthy habits if you’re looking for inspiration.
And, trust me, once you try this roasted beet kale salad, you’ll be hooked!
- Roasting Beets:For the best results, choose beets that are about the size of a golf ball. Wash them thoroughly and trim the tops, leaving about an inch of stem. Wrap the beets individually in aluminum foil and roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Once roasted, let the beets cool slightly before peeling them.
- Roasting Kale:Choose kale with bright green leaves and remove the tough stems. Massage the kale leaves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until wilted and slightly crispy.
Recipe for Roasted Beet Kale Salad with Candied Walnuts
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beets, roasted and peeled
- 1 bunch kale, washed and stemmed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, candied
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Slice the roasted beets into thin wedges.
- Toss the kale with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil.
- Combine the beets, kale, candied walnuts, and goat cheese in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Salad Variations
Here’s a table showcasing different variations of the salad, including alternative ingredients and dressings:
| Variation | Alternative Ingredients | Dressing |
|---|---|---|
| Citrusy Twist | Add segments of orange or grapefruit, and sprinkle with toasted pecans. | Orange vinaigrette (orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard) |
| Hearty and Spicy | Include crumbled bacon, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil. | Maple-mustard vinaigrette (maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar) |
| Creamy and Rich | Top with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of toasted pistachios. | Lemon-tahini dressing (lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper) |
Dressing Options
A good dressing is essential for any salad, but it’s especially important for a roasted beet kale salad. The dressing needs to balance the sweetness of the beets, the bitterness of the kale, and the crunch of the candied walnuts.
The dressing should also be light and refreshing, so it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors.
Roasted beet kale salad with candied walnuts is one of my favorite healthy and flavorful meals. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the crunchy kale and the sweet and salty candied walnuts. I find that incorporating strategies for eating in moderation, like mindful eating and portion control , helps me enjoy this salad without overindulging.
It’s a great reminder that even healthy foods can be enjoyed in moderation, allowing me to savor the flavors and stay on track with my goals.
Dressing Options
Here are a few dressing recipes that complement the roasted beet kale salad:
- Honey Dijon Dressing:This dressing is a classic for a reason. It’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. To make it, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette:This dressing is a bit more tart than the honey Dijon dressing, but it still pairs well with the roasted beets and kale. To make it, whisk together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Lemon Tahini Dressing:This dressing is a bit more unusual, but it’s incredibly flavorful. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a dressing that’s both creamy and tangy. To make it, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon water, and salt and pepper to taste.
Balancing Flavors
When making a dressing for a roasted beet kale salad, it’s important to balance the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The sweetness of the beets should be balanced by the tanginess of the dressing, and the savory flavors of the kale and walnuts should be enhanced by the dressing.
A good dressing will bring out the best in all of the ingredients in the salad.
Dressing Comparison
Here is a table comparing the different dressing options:
| Dressing | Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Dijon Dressing | Honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper | Sweet, tangy, slightly spicy |
| Balsamic Vinaigrette | Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper | Tart, tangy, slightly sweet |
| Lemon Tahini Dressing | Tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper | Creamy, tangy, slightly nutty |
Serving Suggestions: Roasted Beet Kale Salad With Candied Walnuts
This vibrant salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish for a hearty dinner, or even as part of a larger salad bowl.
Presentation
To present this salad attractively, arrange the roasted beets, kale, and candied walnuts in a visually appealing manner. You can use a large salad bowl or individual plates. Consider these tips for a stunning presentation:
- Color contrast: The deep red of the beets and the vibrant green of the kale create a beautiful contrast. Place the beets in the center of the bowl and arrange the kale around them. Scatter the candied walnuts over the top.
- Height and texture: Create visual interest by adding height to your salad. You can use a small spoon to create a mound of kale in the center of the bowl, then arrange the beets and walnuts around it.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, adds a touch of color and freshness to the salad. You can also add a few crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Pairing with Other Dishes
The roasted beet kale salad is a wonderful complement to a variety of dishes.
- Grilled Protein: The salad’s earthy flavors pair beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. The sweetness of the beets balances the savory flavors of the protein, while the kale adds a hearty texture.
- Grain Bowls: This salad is a great addition to grain bowls featuring quinoa, farro, or brown rice. The salad’s vibrant colors and textures provide a refreshing contrast to the grains and other toppings.
- Soup: Serve this salad as a side dish alongside a light soup, such as lentil soup or tomato soup. The salad’s fresh flavors will cleanse the palate and provide a satisfying contrast to the soup’s warmth.
Creative Incorporation
There are many creative ways to incorporate this salad into your meals.
- Salad Wraps: Combine the roasted beet kale salad with your favorite fillings, such as hummus, avocado, and sprouts, and wrap it in a tortilla or pita bread for a quick and easy lunch.
- Pasta Salad: Add the roasted beets, kale, and candied walnuts to your favorite pasta salad for a burst of flavor and texture. You can also add other ingredients, such as chickpeas, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Sandwich Filling: This salad makes a delicious and healthy sandwich filling. Layer the roasted beets, kale, and candied walnuts on your favorite bread with your choice of cheese and dressing.
Conclusive Thoughts
From the simple pleasure of enjoying the perfect balance of flavors to the satisfaction of knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients, roasted beet kale salad with candied walnuts offers a truly rewarding culinary experience. So, gather your favorite ingredients, embrace the creativity in the kitchen, and prepare to savor this delightful salad that will leave you feeling both energized and satisfied.
