Name: Beet and Apple Salad with Honey-Lemon Mustard Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or a blend); 1 large sweet apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored and sliced; 2 medium red beets, cooked and sliced; ½ cup pecans, chopped; ⅓ cup blue cheese or Gorgonzola, crumbled; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; Juice of 1 medium lemon, freshly squeezed

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Harmony: The salad balances earthy, sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, creating a delightful taste experience.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals from beets and apples, healthy fats from pecans, and protein from blue cheese.
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or light meal, and easily adaptable with your favorite greens and nuts.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Components can be prepared in advance for quick assembly.

Ingredients

6 oz mixed greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, or a blend)
1 large sweet apple (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored and sliced
2 medium red beets, cooked and sliced
½ cup pecans, chopped
⅓ cup blue cheese or Gorgonzola, crumbled

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

For the Honey-Lemon Mustard Dressing:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
Juice of 1 medium lemon, freshly squeezed

Directions

Prepare the Dressing: In a mason jar, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk with a fork until emulsified, or secure the lid and shake vigorously to blend the flavors. Adjust with additional lemon juice to taste if desired.
Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange mixed greens in individual serving bowls or a large platter.
- Nestle the sliced apples and cooked beets atop the greens.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans and crumbled blue cheese.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey-lemon mustard dressing over the assembled salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the nuts from becoming soggy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.
Total Time: Approximately 15 minutes.

Variations

Greens: Substitute or mix in other greens like arugula, butter lettuce, or garden greens.
Nuts: Use walnuts, cashews, or almonds instead of pecans. Toasting them enhances their flavor and crunch.
Cheese: For a milder taste, opt for feta or goat cheese in place of blue cheese.
Additions: Incorporate dried cranberries, figs, blueberries, or cherries for a touch of sweetness.
Seeds: Add toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: It’s best to consume this salad immediately. If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This salad is enjoyed cold; reheating is not necessary.

FAQs

What is the best way to cook beets for this salad?

You can boil or roast the beets. To boil, place them in a pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes. To roast, wrap them in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour, until tender.

Can I use pre-cooked or pickled beets?

Yes, pre-cooked or pickled beets can be used for convenience and added flavor.

What type of apples work best in this salad?

Sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala complement the earthy beets and tangy dressing well.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative, and replace honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard in the dressing?

Whole grain mustard or a spicy brown mustard can be used as alternatives, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the beets and prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the salad just before serving.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice to slow down oxidation and keep them looking fresh.

What other nuts can I use if I don’t have pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or cashews make excellent substitutes. Toasting them enhances their flavor.

How can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added to increase the protein content and make the salad more filling.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before eating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Beet and Apple Salad with Honey-Lemon Mustard Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire. Whether