Get ready to transform your taste buds with a vibrant dish that's about to become your new obsession! This isn't just another boring salad - it's a culinary adventure that combines the earthy richness of roasted beets, the sweet-tart punch of cranberries, and the irresistible crunch of spiced nuts. Perfect for those who crave bold flavors and want to impress their dinner guests with a stunning, nutritious side dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, roasted and diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup mixed nuts, spiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the beets.
- Wash the beets thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Trim off the tops and roots, leaving about an inch of the stems intact to prevent bleeding during roasting.
- Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the beets are roasting, prepare the spiced nuts. In a skillet over medium heat, add the mixed nuts and toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
- Add your choice of spices to the nuts in the skillet. Common options include cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to coat the nuts evenly with the spices and continue to toast for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Once the beets are done roasting, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel the skins off using your hands or a paper towel. The skins should come off easily.
- Dice the roasted beets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the dried cranberries to the bowl with the diced beets. The cranberries will add a sweet and tart flavor that complements the earthiness of the beets.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the beet and cranberry mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Finally, add the spiced nuts to the salad and give it one last gentle toss to incorporate them without breaking them up too much.
- Serve the beets with cranberries and spiced nuts warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional nuts if desired. Enjoy your delicious and vibrant dish!
Tips
- • Always wear gloves when handling beets to prevent staining your hands • For easier peeling, let roasted beets cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven • Choose fresh, firm beets with smooth skin for the best roasting results • Toast nuts slowly to develop maximum flavor without burning • Experiment with different spice blends for your nuts - try a mix of smoked paprika and cumin for an extra flavor kick • If you're short on time, you can buy pre-roasted beets from the grocery store • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 408kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
