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Holiday Roasted Beet and Caramelized Pear Salad Recipe

This Holiday Roasted Beet and Caramelized Pear Salad with Feta & Pistachios is a delightful combination of flavors and colors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4medium beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced
  • 2ripe pears, thinly sliced and lightly caramelized
  • 1/2 cupcrumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cupchopped pistachios
  • 2 cupsfresh arugula (optional)
  • 3 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 2 tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoonhoney
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your medium-sized beets, wash them thoroughly under running water, then wrap them individually in foil. Place the wrapped beets onto a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce them. Once roasted, allow the beets to cool before peeling and slicing them into rounds.
  2. While the beets are roasting, you can multitask by preparing your pears. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of butter or oil. Once hot, carefully place your thin pear slices in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sauté the pears for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden color and a caramelized finish. When done, set them aside to cool slightly.
  3. Now that your beets and pears are ready, it’s time to bring your salad together. If you’re using arugula, arrange it as the base on a long white platter or your favorite salad bowl. Neatly layer the roasted beet slices over the arugula, then add the caramelized pear slices on top. This arrangement not only looks appealing but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully as they sit.
  4. Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the beets and pears, followed by the chopped pistachios. This combination will provide delightful flavor contrasts and textures, making each bite memorable. The creaminess of the feta and the crunch of the pistachios complement the tenderness of the fruits and beets perfectly.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is glossy and well combined. This dressing will add a delicious tang and sweetness that lifts all the flavors in the salad.
  6. Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Ensure that it is evenly distributed for a uniform flavor experience. This should be done immediately before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant. Enjoy your delicious holiday creation!

Notes

For best results, select beets that are similar in size to ensure even cooking time. Be careful when handling the roasted beets as they can stain. You may want to wear gloves while peeling them.

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