Golden Beet Summer Salad

This is one of my favorite summer salads- because it’s so easy to make, super delicious, nutritious and just beautiful! It’s perfect for barbeques, picnics, or as an easy side salad to any meal. I never really thought much about beets (besides canned beets yuk) until I bought some at a farmers market a few summers ago and learned how to cook them. They are the perfect addition to any salad or just by themselves drizzled with a little olive oil and vinegar. Beets are a full of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, such as folate, potassium, magnesium and beta carotene. Golden beets, which I’ve used in this salad, in particular have a delicate, buttery flavor. You may not find them in regular supermarkets but natural food markets such as Whole Foods usually have them or farmers markets are another good source.

What you will need

3 or 4 golden beets
3 or 4 ripe tomatoes (depending on size)
1 or 2 avocados
red onion
red wine vinegar
olive oil
garlic salt
pepper
fresh basil

Wash beets. Cut off ends and tops. Put in pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil then simmer or boil slowly. This could take up to an hour depending on the size of your beets. Remove when they are tender and set aside to cool. You can easily do this the night before and put them in the fridge so they will be ready the next day and they’re really easy to peel when you are ready to make your salad.

Now all you have to do is slice the red onion (I used half), cut up the beets, tomatoes, and avocado. Squeeze on a little lemon juice. Don’t cut the beets and tomatoes too small because this is supposed to be a chunky salad. About the red onion- if it is too strong I slice, rinse and soak in water with a bit of vinegar added. You can even do this overnight.

Place everything in large bowl. Add some fresh basil. Drizzle on some olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with cracked pepper and garlic salt to taste.

This can be eaten right after you make it, or placed in the fridge to eat later or take to a party. I serve with a side of feta cheese for garnish.This salad is even more amazing with fresh picked summer tomatoes that will be at the farmers markets soon. Can’t wait! At this time of year I like to use Campari tomatoes which are very sweet and juicy. This makes about 4-5 side salads.