Holiday Roasted Beet and Caramelized Pear Salad Delight Recipe
A vibrant Holiday Roasted Beet and Caramelized Pear Salad Delight combining earthy roasted beets, sweet caramelized pears, peppery arugula, creamy feta, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a tangy honey-mustard lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a festive side or a light main dish.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing, Emulsifying
- Cuisine: American - Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Salad
- 4 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced and lightly caramelized
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 50 grams pistachios, shelled
- 100 grams rocket (arugula) leaves
Dressing
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Roast the beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil, sealing tightly. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes depending on size. Allow beets to cool before peeling off the skins easily. Slice into rounds or wedges.
- Caramelize the pears: Thinly slice the ripe pears, ensuring uniform thickness. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook pear slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until soft and golden, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth.
- Assemble the salad: Spread a generous layer of rocket leaves on a serving platter or bowl. Layer the roasted beet slices and caramelized pear slices over the greens in an attractive presentation.
- Add toppings and dress: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and shelled pistachios evenly over the layered salad. Drizzle the prepared honey-mustard lemon vinaigrette over the entire salad. Lightly toss to coat or leave layered for a beautiful look.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy fresh flavors and crunchy textures at your holiday table.
Notes
- Roasting time may vary depending on beet size; check with a fork for tenderness.
- Use ripe, but firm pears to prevent them from becoming mushy when caramelized.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast pistachios before adding.
- This salad can be prepared ahead by roasting beets and making dressing in advance; assemble just before serving.
- Feel free to substitute feta with goat cheese for a different creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: roasted beet salad, caramelized pear, holiday salad, arugula salad, feta cheese salad, pistachio salad, honey mustard vinaigrette, festive side dish