Beets are another healthy food that you ought to consider adding to your diet. Beets contain betaine, the same substance that is used in certain treatments of depression. Potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid, are just a few of the health benefits of beets. Beets are also high in iron and excellent source of energy. Bet you never realized so much good could be in a beet. Perhaps you don’t like beets or you never had them. Were you turned away by their appearance? I know many who have never tried a beet based on the look of it alone. But you cannot always judge a food by its cover. Try beets to add in necessary nutrition while not adding in a lot of calories. There are many ways to serve beets. You are certain to find one way you like.
Beet and Arugula Salad
- 3 large beets
- extra-virgin olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 avocado – peeled, pitted, and cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 (10 ounce) package mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachio nuts
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cut stems off beets and place whole on a baking sheet. Roast until fork tender, about 45 minutes. Allow to cool; peel and dice beets into large bite-sized pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar in a bowl; season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss diced avocado with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a separate bowl; season with salt.
- To serve, divide salad greens between serving plates. Top each serving with 1/4 of the beets and avocado. Sprinkle each serving with shelled pistachios, dried cherries, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.