beet and orange salad with candied pecans.

Howdy!

Happy week after Thanksgiving!

Here we go…the race to Christmas is on.  Have you started your shopping yet?

Did you elbow some poor grandma behind you in the rush to your favorite store on Black Friday?

Well around here we’ve had our fill of stuffing and potatoes and every kind of casserole under the sun.  So this salad is a refreshing change.  And guess what – there’s no butter or cream or bread or chocolate in it!  Instead it’s full of earthy beets, tangy oranges and sweet candied pecans.

So give it a go and let me know what you think on Facebook.  OR, if you have another good salad or beet recipe you can share it there too!

Beet and Orange Salad with Candied Pecans

(serves 4)

What You’ll Need:

1.5 pounds beets

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

3 oranges, divided between salad and dressing

1/2 small red onion, sliced thin

Orange balsamic vinaigrette (recipe below)

6 cups arugula

1/2 cup candied pecans (I make my own and love this recipe)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Prepare the beets:

Trim the tops and roots from the beets and wash well. Place beets on a piece of foil large enough to fold over and seal. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Seal the foil, place on a baking sheet and roast in the for 1 hour until the beets are tender when pierced with a knife. Allow the beets to cool, then peel and slice about 1/4 inch thick.

While the beets are roasting, peel 2 oranges and separate into slices.  Prepare dressing (see below).

To Make the Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette:

Juice 1 orange (to get about 1/4 cup).  In a medium bowl whisk the juice, 1 minced shallot and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar.  Add salt and pepper to taste, and finally whisk in 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil.

Prepare the Salad:

Place washed arugula in a bowl.  Toss with beets, red onion and the slices from 2 oranges.  Toss with vinaigrette and top with candied pecans.

TOTAL:  $6.35 or $1.59 per serving.

Wondering how on earth I arrived at these costs?  Take a look at my shopping guide to show see what I pay for items, per serving, etc.

Nutrition:

380 calories per serving

26 grams of fat

36 carbs

6 grams protein

8 grams fiber

Mosey on over to Facebook and let me know what you think!