Beet and Orange Salad with Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette

Can beet this combo!

Summer salads are my favourite and this beet and orange salad is no exception! In fact, it makes its rotation all year long. Beets are an extraordinary vegetable for health, like really, the colour says it all! Not only are they high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and some plant proteins, they are rich in phytonutrients, including plant nitrates which help protect the liver, heart health, reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function. Oranges pair nicely along with a tangy rosemary balsamic dressing in this easy to prepare salad. Just be aware you need to boil the beets ahead of time and allow them to cool.

Gluten free
Dairy free
Refined sugar free
Nut free (optional)
Vegan/vegetarian
Cleanse program friendly

Ingredients:

Salad

2 cups cooked beets (see note), cut into bite size pieces
1 orange, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Roasted slivered almonds to top optional

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
Fresh juice of 1/2 orange
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp crumbled dried rosemary or 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh

Directions:

In a small jar or container, combine oil, vinegar, juice and rosemary and set aside while beets are cooking.
Pre-cook the beets (see note).
Once beets are cooked and cooled, slice into bite size pieces and add to a serving bowl along with cut oranges and chopped red onions.
Pour dressing over salad ingredients and mix, salt and pepper to taste if desired.
If possible, chill in fridge before serving.
Keep roasted slivered almonds separate and top salad serving as desired.

Note: To cook beets, I prefer to boil them for this recipe but roasted beets would work as well. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and drop beets in, skin and all. Depending on the size of your beets they may take an hour to cook. Check them every 15 minutes with a fork until they are tender. Run them under cold water in a colander, cut the ends and use your fingers to push the skins off. If they aren’t skinning easily, use a knife to peel.