Zesty Citrus Beet & Green Bean Salad
This vibrant and colorful Zesty Citrus Beet & Green Bean Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The golden beets, roasted to perfection, marry beautifully with thinly sliced red onions marinated in a tangy citrus dressing. Packed with nutrients and a refreshing lemony kick, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome accompaniment for your meals. Marinate the beets a day in advance for an enhanced flavor. Enjoy this dish as a side or a light main course, embodying a blend of Eastern European and Scandinavian influences that brighten up your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Golden Beets
1 lb (Roasted, peeled, and cut into wedges)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 teaspoons (For roasting and dressing)
Red Onions
2 cups (Thinly sliced (about 2 large onions))
Fresh Orange Juice
1 cup (Juiced from about 4 oranges)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 cup (Juiced)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For marinade)
Water
1 cup (For boiling green beans)
Green Beans
1 lb (Trimmed)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (Additional for dressing)
Grated Orange Rind
1/2 teaspoon (Zested from an orange)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Garlic
1 clove (Minced)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the beets by leaving the root and 1 inch of stem intact. Scrub them clean with a brush to remove dirt.
3
Place the cleaned beets on a baking sheet lined with foil. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil.
4
Roast the beets in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Allow the roasted beets to cool completely.
5
Once cool, peel the beets and cut them into 8 wedges each. In a large bowl, combine the beet wedges, thinly sliced red onions, orange juice, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
6
The next day, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 minutes, until the beans are crisp-tender. Drain the green beans and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain again. Place the cooled green beans in a large mixing bowl.
7
Drain the beet mixture, reserving 2 tablespoons of the marinade. Add the drained beet mixture to the bowl with the green beans and toss gently to combine.
8
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, grated orange rind, 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and minced garlic.
9
Pour the marinade over the beet and green bean mixture, tossing gently to coat. Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your colorful salad!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
11g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in the Zesty Citrus Beet & Green Bean Salad?
The main ingredients include golden beets, extra virgin olive oil, red onions, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, green beans, and minced garlic.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
Is this beet and green bean salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and plant-based.
What type of beets should be used for this recipe?
Golden beets are recommended for their color and flavor profile.
How long do the beets need to roast?
The beets should be roasted at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour or until tender.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually recommended to marinate the beet and onion mixture overnight for the best flavor.
How do I prepare the green beans for the salad?
Trim the beans, boil them for 3 minutes until crisp-tender, and then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking.
What is the fat content of this salad?
This salad contains about 3g of fat per serving.
Does this recipe include any garlic?
Yes, it uses one minced garlic clove in the final dressing.
What are the cultural influences of this dish?
This salad is a fusion of Eastern European and Scandinavian culinary influences.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I peel the beets before roasting them?
No, roast them with the skin on and peel them after they have cooled.
How many oranges are needed for the juice?
You will need approximately 4 oranges to yield the 1 cup of fresh orange juice required.
What should I do with the beet marinade?
Drain the mixture but reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade to use in the final dressing.
How do I ensure the green beans stay bright green?
Rinsing the boiled green beans immediately under cold water prevents overcooking and preserves their color.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
The salad is served immediately after mixing or can be chilled slightly to enhance the citrus flavors.
What is the protein content of this salad?
There is 1g of protein per serving.
How should the red onions be sliced?
The red onions should be thinly sliced to allow them to marinate properly with the beets.
Can I use red beets instead of golden beets?
Yes, but be aware that red beets will bleed color into the other ingredients, specifically the green beans.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil whisked with the marinade.
What citrus zest is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of grated orange rind.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is nutrient-dense, low in calories, and features fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
How many large red onions are needed?
You will need approximately 2 large red onions to get 2 cups of thin slices.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Can I substitute lemon juice with bottled juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for a 'zesty' flavor, but bottled can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How are the beets shaped for the salad?
After peeling, each beet should be cut into 8 wedges.
Does this recipe contain black pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much salt is used in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, beets, green beans, pickled onion, citrus, healthy, and vegetarian.
Is there any water used in the preparation?
Yes, 1 cup of water is used to boil the green beans.