A delicious salad year round, and my favorite way to eat beets! The figs give so much sweetness, and the crunch of the apple and walnuts is so satisfying. This salad has helped me learn to love beets! The earthy taste of the beets combines so well with fruit and nuts, and their juice gives the salad such a beautiful color!
Tips:
If figs are in season, absolutely substitute 2-3 fresh figs instead of dried -- so heavenly!
You can cook your own beets, or buy them already cooked and peeled. Find them packaged in the produce dept of the grocery store, but the price is better at Trader Joe's, or in bulk at Costco.
Measurements are very flexible here, add more or less of anything per your taste.
Variations:
Add 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeno for some sweet and spicy balance. (This is my favorite!!)
Add other diced fruit such as pears, baby guava, oranges, etc.
Serve over a bed of baby greens or chopped kale.
INGREDIENTS:
2 large (or 3-4 small) apples, unpeeled and diced
1-2 large beets (or 4 baby beets), cooked and peeled, diced
3-4 dried figs, diced
½ c (or more) chopped walnuts
1/4 c white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 t fresh thyme leaves
¼ t freshly ground pepper (optional)
METHOD:
Place all ingredients in large bowl and toss. May serve immediately, but making ahead allows flavors to fully combine.
Enjoy!