Spicy Mediterranean Roasted Beet and Yam Salad
This vibrant and flavorful Spicy Mediterranean Roasted Beet and Yam Salad offers a delightful combination of earthy sweetness from roasted beets and yams, perfectly balanced with a kick of homemade harissa. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for a picnic or a sophisticated dinner. The freshness of green onions and parsley adds brightness, while the tangy red wine vinegar enhances the overall taste. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to any meal.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
small red beets
2 1/2 lbs (scrubbed, trimmed, peeled, and cut in half)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
green onion
1/2 cup (thinly cut on the diagonal)
flat-leaf Italian parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic clove
1 large (finely minced)
homemade harissa
1 teaspoon (to taste (add more for spicier version))
red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons (or white balsamic)
salt
to taste (none)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
If using yams or potatoes, scrub them well, peel the skin and cut into halves or thirds depending on their size.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3
In a small non-reactive bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, harissa, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended and set the dressing aside.
4
In a large shallow roasting pan, toss the prepared beets lightly with the olive oil until they are evenly coated. Spread the beets out in a single layer and cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
5
Roast the beets in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until they are easily pierced with a fork and tender.
6
Once roasted, remove the beets from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. After cooling, cut the beets into 1/2-inch cubes.
7
In a large salad bowl, combine the warm or cooled beets with thinly sliced green onions, chopped parsley, and the prepared dressing. Toss lightly yet thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
8
Serve immediately or let it sit at room temperature for the flavors to meld even more.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Spicy Mediterranean Roasted Beet and Yam Salad featuring earthy beets and a kick of harissa.
What are the primary ingredients?
The primary ingredients include small red beets, olive oil, green onions, Italian parsley, garlic, harissa, and red wine vinegar.
How long do the beets need to roast?
The beets should be roasted for approximately 30 minutes until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
What oven temperature is required for roasting?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before roasting the vegetables.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and oil.
What gives the salad its spicy flavor?
The spicy kick comes from the addition of one teaspoon of homemade harissa, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I substitute the beets with another vegetable?
Yes, you can use yams or potatoes as a substitute or addition to the red beets.
How should the beets be prepared before roasting?
Beets should be scrubbed, trimmed, peeled, and cut into halves or thirds depending on their size.
What kind of parsley is best for this salad?
Flat-leaf Italian parsley is recommended for its fresh flavor and brightness.
How should the green onions be sliced?
The green onions should be thinly cut on the diagonal for the best presentation and texture.
What type of vinegar can be used in the dressing?
You can use red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Can this salad be served warm?
Yes, this salad is versatile and can be enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.
Is this dish suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely, its ability to be served at room temperature makes it an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings and picnics.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, minced garlic, harissa, vinegar, salt, and pepper whisked together.
Should the roasting pan be covered during cooking?
Yes, the pan should be covered tightly with aluminum foil to help the beets steam and become tender.
How should the beets be cut after roasting?
After cooling for five minutes, the roasted beets should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 5 people.
How do I know when the beets are finished cooking?
The beets are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and feel tender.
Can I make this salad extra spicy?
Yes, you can increase the amount of homemade harissa for a spicier version of the salad.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
The recipe uses a total of 9 ingredients, excluding optional substitutions.
How long should the beets cool before handling?
Allow the beets to cool for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven before cubing them.
What type of garlic is required?
The recipe calls for one large garlic clove, finely minced.
What is the recommended amount of red beets?
You will need 2 1/2 lbs of small red beets for this salad.
How should the beets be coated in oil?
Toss the prepared beets lightly in a large shallow roasting pan until they are evenly coated with olive oil.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the olive oil, garlic, harissa, vinegar, salt, and pepper together and set it aside until needed.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutrient-packed dish that features fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats.
What is the best way to ensure flavors are well combined?
Toss the beets, onions, and parsley with the dressing thoroughly and let it sit at room temperature for the flavors to meld.
What kind of bowl should be used for the dressing?
A small non-reactive bowl is recommended for whisking the dressing ingredients together.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include salad, beet salad, mediterranean, vegan, harissa, healthy, roasted vegetables, and spicy salad.
How is the salad finished before serving?
The warm or cooled beets are tossed with green onions, parsley, and dressing in a large salad bowl.