Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of the Holiday Roasted Beet and Caramelized Pear Salad with Feta and Pistachio Leaves, a dish that truly brings the best of seasonal produce to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced and lightly caramelized
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 50 grams pistachios, shelled
- 100 grams rocket (arugula) leaves
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil, focusing on sealing them tightly. Roasting beets generally takes about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on their size. Once done, allow the beets to cool. The skins should slip off easily after cooling, and you can slice them into rounds or wedges, which will add texture to the salad.
- Next, slice your ripe pears thinly, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced pears and let them cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn soft and develop a lovely golden color. This step enhances their sweetness while creating a delightful contrast with the beets.
- In a small bowl or a jar with a tight lid—perfect for emulsifying—combine the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk vigorously or shake until all ingredients meld into a smooth dressing. This vinaigrette adds a lovely tang and sweetness that beautifully ties the salad together.
- On a sizeable serving platter or bowl, spread a generous layer of rocket leaves. The peppery arugula will provide an excellent base for the other ingredients. Layer the sliced roasted beets and caramelized pears over the greens, creating an eye-catching presentation. Next, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and shelled pistachios evenly throughout, adding a creamy and crunchy element to each bite.
- Before serving, drizzle the honey-mustard lemon vinaigrette generously over the salad. You can choose to lightly toss the salad to coat everything evenly in the dressing, or leave it layered for a stunning presentation. Serve immediately to ensure everything remains fresh, and enjoy the vibrant flavors at your holiday table!
Notes
Ensure your beets are tender by checking them with a fork during the roasting process. For deeper flavors, allow the pears to caramelize a bit longer but watch closely to avoid burning. You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the most vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 9 g