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Roasted Beet Salad with Oranges and Queso Fresco (Ensalada de Betabel)





Total Time
1 hr 30 mins

This beet salad is full of bright colors and flavors, with sweet beets playing off tangy lime and orange.

Roasted Beet Salad with Oranges and Queso Fresco (Ensalada de Betabel)




Photo: James Carriere; Styling: Karen Shinto
 4 beets (2 1/2 in. wide, with root ends and stem ends intact), preferably different colors
 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  Coarse kosher salt
 4 medium oranges
 2 limes
 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  Freshly ground black pepper
 6 cups arugula
 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
 4 to 6 oz. queso fresco, crumbled (see Notes)
Step 1
1

Preheat oven to 375°. Scrub beets, pat dry, rub with 1 tbsp. olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt. Put beets on a foil-covered baking sheet and bake until tender when pierced, about 1 hour. Refrigerate uncovered until cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes. Cut off roots and stems, then rub beets with paper towels to remove skin; discard skin.

Step 2
2

Cut beets in half lengthwise, then slice into half-moons about 1/4 in. thick; set aside. Cut ends off oranges, then cut away peel and outer membrane in wide strips, following the curve of the fruit with knife. Discard peel. Working over a bowl to catch juices, cut oranges between inner membranes and fruit to release segments into bowl; squeeze juice from membranes into bowl and discard membrane.

Step 3
3

Finely zest limes into another bowl. Juice limes and add juice to zest. Add shallots, vinegar, and juice from oranges. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle remaining 4 tbsp. olive oil into bowl. Add beets, toss to coat, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover bowls airtight and let stand at room temperature at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours.

Step 4
4

Arrange arugula on a platter. Sprinkle with cilantro leaves. Pour beets and dressing over arugula and scatter with orange segments and cheese.

Step 5
5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 192Calories from Fat 61
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 4.3g22%
Cholesterol 13mg5%
Sodium 171mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 16g6%

Dietary Fiber 2.7g11%
Protein 5g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.