Beetroot Salad with Walnuts and Prunes is a vibrant and nutritious dish that celebrates the earthy sweetness of beets, the rich texture of walnuts, and the natural sweetness of prunes. This salad is not only visually appealing with its deep red hue but also packs a punch in terms of flavor and health benefits. Beetroots are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while walnuts provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. The addition of prunes adds a touch of sweetness and a chewy texture, making this salad a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

This salad is perfect as a side dish for any meal, especially during festive occasions, and can also be enjoyed as a light lunch. It is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With just a few ingredients, this salad is not only easy to whip up but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables and healthy fats into your diet.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Beetroots: 3-4 medium-sized (about 500 g total)
• Walnuts: 40 g (chopped)
• Prunes: 4-5 pieces (pitted and chopped)
• Garlic: 1-2 cloves (minced)
• Mayonnaise: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)

Steps to Make Beetroot Salad with Walnuts and Prunes

Step 1: Prepare the Beetroots

1. Wash and Boil the Beetroots: Start by thoroughly washing the beetroots to remove any dirt. Place them in a pot of cold water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook the beetroots for about 30-40 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on their size.
2. Cool and Peel: Once cooked, remove the beetroots from the pot and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin using your hands or a peeler. The skin should come off easily.
3. Chop the Beetroots: Cut the peeled beetroots into small cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients

1. Chop the Walnuts: Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Once toasted, let them cool slightly before chopping them coarsely.
2. Chop the Prunes: If the prunes are not already chopped, slice them into small pieces. This will help them distribute evenly throughout the salad and make for easier eating.
3. Mince the Garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. The garlic adds a robust flavor to the salad, so adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

1. Mix the Ingredients: In the bowl with the chopped beetroots, add the toasted walnuts, chopped prunes, and minced garlic.
2. Add Mayonnaise: Start with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and gently mix it in with the other ingredients. The mayonnaise adds creaminess to the salad, so adjust the amount based on your desired creaminess level. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette.
3. Season to Taste: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Chill the Salad: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir before serving. You can garnish it with additional chopped walnuts or a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving,Approximate)

• Calories: 150-200 kcal
• Protein: 3-5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
• Fat: 7-10 g
• Fiber: 4-5 g
• Sodium: 100-150 mg

This salad is not only low in calories but also provides a good source of fiber, making it a filling addition to your meal. The beetroots are rich in folate and manganese, while walnuts offer omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use canned beetroots instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned beetroots for convenience. Just drain and rinse them before chopping and mixing them into the salad. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different from fresh beets.

2. Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this salad vegan-friendly, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar.

3. How long can I store this salad?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunchiness of the walnuts.

4. Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as feta cheese, arugula, or carrots for additional flavor and texture.

5. What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal. It also makes a great addition to a buffet or potluck.

Tips for Making the Best Beetroot Salad

• Choose Fresh Beetroots: Look for firm and smooth beetroots without any soft spots. Smaller beets tend to be sweeter and more tender.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
• Adjust Mayonnaise: If you’re watching your calories, start with less mayonnaise and add more as needed. You can also use a light version of mayonnaise.
• Experiment with Textures: Adding different nuts like pecans or sunflower seeds can introduce additional textures and flavors to the salad.
• Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can add a unique flavor twist and enhance the salad’s appearance.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
• Avoid Freezing: It’s best not to freeze this salad as the beets and mayonnaise may not retain their texture after thawing.

Conclusion

Beetroot Salad with Walnuts and Prunes is not only a beautiful addition to your table but also a powerhouse of nutrition. With its combination of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to please both family and friends. Whether served as a side dish or a main meal, it’s versatile, healthy, and delicious. Try making it for your next gathering, and watch it disappear quickly! Enjoy the wholesome goodness and delightful taste of this refreshing salad!