Author Notes: Fall seems to have a collective effect on all of us who love to cook. Winter squashes, root vegetables, slow-cooked and roasted foods beckon us to linger a little longer in the kitchen. I got this recipe last year from my daughter-in-law who works at the Culinary School of the Rockies in Boulder, Co. and it has become my favorite fall salad. I’ve added a combination of feta and goat cheeses which I think really rounds out the flavors. I love how the fresh citrus balances the richness of the roasted beets. I hope you agree that this is fall at its finest. —patricellen
Serves: 6
Ingredients
For the Salad
-
1
pound Beets
-
2
tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-
2
tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
-
3
Oranges
-
1/2
cup Slivered Almonds
-
1/2
Head of Romaine Lettuce
-
5
ounces Mixed Baby Greens
-
2
ounces Good quality goat cheese
-
2
ounces French Feta cheese (not crumbled)
For the Vinaigrette
-
Juice of one Orange
-
3
tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-
1 1/2
tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
-
Salt and Pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Wash the beets and place in a baking pan. Drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and some salt and pepper. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 45 – 60 minutes or until a skewer can easily be inserted into the beets.
- Remove the beets from the oven and cool. Remove the skins and cut the beets into wedges. Toss with another drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and set aside.
- Peel 2 of the oranges and slice into sections. Cut the 3rd orange in half and juice. Set these aside.
- Toast the almonds in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.
- Combine the feta and goat cheeses with your fingers to form medium-sized crumbles.
- Cut or tear the romaine into bite-size pieces and mix with the baby greens.
- Toss the lettuce with 3/4’s of the vinaigrette and place on a platter.
- Garnish the salad with the beet wedges and orange segments and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Sprinkle the salad with the cheeses and toasted almonds and serve immediately.