Raw Golden Beet Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Amber Dawn | The Host Notes
An unforgettably crisp, raw golden beet salad with basil, mint, toasted hazelnuts, and a bright lemon Dijon vinaigrette. An simple summer side dish for gatherings.
3-4medium golden beetsabout 1½ pounds, peeled and thinly sliced into matchsticks
2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
1tablespoonapple cider vinegar
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
2teaspoonsDijon mustard
1teaspoonmaple syrupor honey
½teaspoonkosher saltplus more to taste
¼teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
¼cupfresh basil leavesfinely chopped, plus more for garnish
¼cupfresh mint leavesfinely chopped, plus more for garnish
½cuptoasted hazelnutscoarsely chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
Remove the beet greens and save them for another recipe. Rinse the golden beets well, then peel away the skin and trim any rough spots.
Slice each beet in half lengthwise. Place the flat side down on the cutting board and slice into ¼-inch planks, then cut each plank into thin matchsticks. Don't worry if they're not perfectly uniform—slightly varied sizes create a more natural texture.
Transfer the sliced beets to a bowl of ice water while you prepare the remaining ingredients. The cold water helps keep the beets crisp and ensures they keep their bright color.
Make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
Stack the basil and mint leaves, roll them into a tight bundle, and slice them into thin ribbons. Roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts into a mix of small and medium pieces for the best texture.
Stir the chopped herbs into the vinaigrette. Drain the beets well and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Transfer them to a large bowl, pour the vinaigrette over the top, and toss until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes, or until ready to serve. This gives the beets time to absorb the bright, herb-filled vinaigrette.
Just before serving, toss the salad once more. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and garnish with a few extra herbs and hazelnuts for added texture and a beautiful finish.
Serving Tip: This salad is best served chilled or at cool room temperature and pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, roast chicken, or fresh mozzarella for a simple summer meal.
Notes
This Golden Beet Salad makes the perfect side for cookouts and pack-away picnics. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free, which makes it perfect for guests with different dietary needs.
Serve with a side of extra toasted hazelnuts, herbs and perhaps some crumbly goat cheese or feta for guests to add to their portion.
This pairs beautifully with grilled fish - salmon or halibut in particular.
Try serving with fish tacos or BBQ pulled pork sliders as a slaw topping. So good!
Make up to a day ahead, saving the hazelnuts and extra herbs for just before serving.
To refresh a day or two after preparation, add another squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil and toss to coat.
This salad can be enjoyed 2-3 days after preparation if kept covered and refrigerated.