Skip to main content

Spinach, Beet and Walnut Salad

4.3

(7)

Food writer Janet Fletcher says, "During my childhood, the only salad on the Thanksgiving buffet was an old-fashioned Waldorf with chopped apples, celery, walnuts and mayonnaise. Frankly, I don’t miss it. This contemporary salad has the walnuts and the crunch, but is much fresher and far more inviting."

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds medium beets, trimmed
1/2 cup walnut oil or olive oil
1/4 cup Sherry wine vinegar
2 large shallots, minced
2 (6-ounce) packages baby spinach
4 heads Belgian endive, thinly sliced crosswise
1 cup walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped (about 4 ounces)
6 ounces soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet), crumbled

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap beets in foil and bake until tender when pierced with knife, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Cool slightly, then peel. Cut each beet into 8 wedges. Place in medium bowl. Cover.

    Step 2

    Whisk oil and vinegar in small bowl. Mix in minced shallots. Pour 3 tablespoons dressing over warm beets; toss. Cool. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover beets and remaining dressing separately; refrigerate. Bring dressing to room temperature before continuing.)

    Step 3

    Combine spinach, endive and 3/4 cup nuts in large bowl. Pour remaining dressing over; toss. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates. Sprinkle cheese over. Top with beets and 1/4 cup nuts.

Read More
Full of crunchy veg and a miso-maple dressing.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.
Cut steak into cubes and suddenly it transforms into a quick-cooking protein.
Sticky-sweet mall-style bourbon chicken gets a fall makeover.
This picadillo-inspired topping would taste good on a shoe.
Yes, you can use the pre-cut squash.
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.