Apples, Feta, Pickled Beets and Walnuts Salad →
This colorful, satisfying salad is full of flavor. The pickled beets add a tart, earthiness that combines nicely with the sweet apple and creamy-salty Feta; the toasted walnuts add crunch and a touch of bitterness along with the mixed greens. The Balsamic Vinaigrette ties it all together. Serve as a side salad, or add Spicy Baked Shrimp and make it a meal in itself.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 scant handfuls of mixed greens (about 2 cups)
1 Gala or Honey Crisp apple cored, quartered, and cut into thin slices
3-4 slices of pickled beets cut into ½ inch cubes
3 Tbs. Feta cheese
4 Tbs. toasted walnuts
Balsamic vinaigrette
Preparation:
Toast the walnuts in your toaster oven or on a small skillet on the stove. (about 5 minutes)
In a large bowl, toss the greens and apple slices with a small amount of the vinaigrette. (start with 3 Tbs. drizzled evenly over the greens and apples, toss, and add more to taste)
Distribute the dressed greens and apple slices evenly on 4 small or medium size plates.
Sprinkle with the beets, feta and walnuts and serve.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Yield 1 cup
Ingredients:
¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard (or Honey Dijon)
1 Tbs. minced shallot
¼ tsp. salt and pepper, or to taste
Whisk ingredients together until the oil is emulsified. (A Magic Bullet does a great job making salad dressings.)
*Vinaigrette will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for a few days.