Roasted Beet and Watercress Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Delight your palate with this vibrant Roasted Beet and Watercress Salad, featuring tender roasted beets and crisp watercress, all drizzled with a tangy whole grain mustard vinaigrette. Traditionally served as a refreshing side, this salad is a perfect balance of earthy and peppery flavors. With its stunning presentation and nutritious ingredients, it's an excellent choice for gatherings or a light meal. The combination of beets and greens makes this salad not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your table. Enjoy it fresh, or prepare it ahead of time for an easy last-minute dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beets
4-6 (trimmed and sliced)
white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons
whole grain mustard
2 teaspoons
shallot
1 tablespoon (chopped)
kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon
sugar
1/2 teaspoon
olive oil
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons
watercress
1 bunch (trimmed)
bibb lettuce
1 head (torn into 1-inch pieces)
pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Prepare two pieces of parchment paper, each large enough to create a packet for the beets. Trim the beets and place them evenly between the two pieces of parchment. Fold the parchment over the beets, crimp the edges to seal them tightly, and place the packets on a baking sheet.
3
Roast the beet packets in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender. Once roasted, remove the beets from the oven, let them cool slightly, then peel them using your hands or a paper towel. Cut the beets into 1/2-inch thick wedges or rounds.
4
In a medium-sized jar or bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, whole grain mustard, chopped shallot, kosher salt, and sugar until well combined. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
5
In a large salad bowl or platter, arrange the watercress and torn bibb lettuce. Top with the sliced roasted beets.
6
Drizzle the mustard vinaigrette over the salad and season with freshly cracked pepper to taste. Gently toss the salad to combine before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish described in this recipe?
The dish is a Roasted Beet and Watercress Salad with a whole grain mustard vinaigrette.
What are the main salad greens used?
The recipe uses one bunch of trimmed watercress and one head of bibb lettuce torn into 1-inch pieces.
How should I roast the beets for this salad?
Trim the beets and place them in parchment paper packets on a baking sheet, then roast at 425°F (220°C).
How long do the beets need to roast?
The beets should be roasted for 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes until they are fork-tender.
What is the best way to peel roasted beets?
After roasting, let the beets cool slightly and then use your hands or a paper towel to rub the skins off.
How should the roasted beets be sliced?
Once peeled, cut the beets into 1/2-inch thick wedges or rounds.
What ingredients are in the mustard vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of white wine vinegar, whole grain mustard, chopped shallot, kosher salt, sugar, and olive oil.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
Is the Roasted Beet and Watercress Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses two teaspoons of whole grain mustard.
How much olive oil is required for the vinaigrette?
You will need 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How do I ensure the dressing is properly emulsified?
Slowly whisk the olive oil into the vinegar and mustard mixture until it is well combined and thick.
What size should the bibb lettuce pieces be?
The bibb lettuce should be torn into 1-inch pieces.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can roast the beets and prepare the dressing ahead of time for an easy last-minute assembly.
How many beets are needed for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 4 to 6 beets.
Is there sugar in the dressing recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is included to balance the flavors of the vinaigrette.
What flavor profile does watercress add to the salad?
Watercress provides a crisp texture and a distinct peppery flavor.
How should the final salad be seasoned?
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and finish with freshly cracked pepper to taste.
How do you assemble the salad?
Arrange the greens on a platter, top with sliced roasted beets, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What kind of shallot preparation is needed?
One tablespoon of finely chopped shallot is used in the dressing.
Does the salad use kosher salt?
Yes, 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt is used in the vinaigrette.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a salad, healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, side dish, and seasonal.
Why use parchment paper for roasting beets?
Creating parchment packets helps steam the beets as they roast, making them tender and easier to peel.
How many ingredients in total are required?
There are 10 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a main course?
While traditionally a refreshing side dish, it can also be served as a light meal.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
The recipe calls for bibb lettuce, but other soft greens could be substituted if bibb is unavailable.
What makes this salad visually appealing?
The combination of deep red beets against vibrant green watercress and lettuce creates a stunning color contrast.
Is the vinaigrette tossed into the salad?
Yes, the salad should be gently tossed to ensure the vinaigrette is evenly distributed before serving.