Beet & Olive Citrus Salad 🥗🍋✨
Description:
This vibrant Beet & Olive Citrus Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish, perfect as a side or light meal. The earthy sweetness of beets pairs beautifully with briny green olives, tangy lemon juice, and fragrant fresh herbs. A drizzle of honey and olive oil ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
✅ 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
✅ 1/2 cup green olives, pitted (~20) 🫒
✅ 1/4 cup lemon juice 🍋
✅ 3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
✅ 1 tbsp honey 🍯
✅ 1 tsp lemon zest 🍋
✅ 1 tsp kosher salt 🧂
✅ 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
✅ 2 small boiled beets, sliced & diced ❤️
✅ 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely minced 🌿
✅ 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely minced 🌱
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a small bowl with the lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mellow its sharpness.
- Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine diced beets, green olives, marinated red onions (including the lemon juice), fresh parsley, and fresh mint.
- Dress & Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Optional: Garnish with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.
Servings:
- Makes 2-3 servings.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fats: ~12g
- Fiber: ~4g
Benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Beets contain powerful compounds that promote overall health.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides essential monounsaturated fats.
- Digestive Health: Fresh herbs and fiber from beets aid digestion.
- Immune Boosting: Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C.
Tips:
- Roast the beets: For a deeper, caramelized flavor, roast the beets instead of boiling them.
- Customize the salad: Add crumbled feta, orange segments, or nuts for extra texture and taste.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use canned beets?
A: Yes! Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before using.
Q: What can I serve this salad with?
A: It pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, or as part of a mezze platter.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! The flavors develop beautifully when left to sit for a few hours in the fridge.
Enjoy your Beet & Olive Citrus Salad! 🥗✨