Beet Pistachio & Orange Salad is a perfect make-ahead salad because it only gets better with time.
Beet Salads
I have a love for beet salads. Beets pair well with so many ingredients. So, I'm always coming up with new beet salads, some of which I have posted, like this Wild Rice Roasted Beet Salad, and Roasted Beet & Apple Salad.
This beet pistachio & orange salad recipe combines beets with oranges and pistachios. Just as in this other citrus beet salad with nuts: Beet Salad With Grapefruit, Blue Cheese & Walnuts, the sweet, earthiness of beets contrasts beautifully with the bright tang of citrus.
An Easy Way to Peel Beets
I used to peel the beets before roasting them. But then I learned the easier way. Scrub and trim the beets, then wrap them in foil before roasting. Allow them to cool slightly, then use the foil, or paper towels to rub the skins right off. It's much easier and your cutting board and hands won't be red.
About Pistachios
Pistachios are a tree nut that grows in Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the United States. The nuts are a green and yellow colour, with red or purple patches and the shells are a light beige that splits open as the nuts mature. Pistachios are fun to eat from the shell, because they are already split for you. But for recipes like this beet salad, you can buy them shelled to make life easier.
Pistachio Nutrition
Pistachios are a very nutritious snack, but they are also very high in calories. They're so delicious that it's very hard to stick to just a handful. However,keep in mind that a one ounce serving of pistachios is about 49 nuts and 158 calories. It's only when we eat the whole bag that it becomes a problem. Pistachios are high in protein, fibre and heart healthy fats. They are also excellent sources of Vitamin E and B vitamins as well as calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium.
Fun Facts About Pistachios
- February 26 is National Pistachio Day.
- In China, pistachios are called the "happy nut", and in Iran the "smiling nut".
- The Queen of Sheba loved pistachios so much that she ordered the entire harvest be set aside for her.
Get more pistachio fun facts here
Recipe
Beet Pistachio & Orange Salad
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets trimmed and scrubbed
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium shallot finely chopped
- 4 clementines peeled & segmented
- ½ cup pistachios shelled & roasted
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cups arugula
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 425°
- Wrap beets in foil and roast until tender, about 45 minutes
- Allow beets to cool enough to handle, then use the foil to rub off the skins. Cut beets into wedges. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, thyme, and salt. Add beets, shallots, and orange segments, tossing to coat.
- Put the salad in the fridge to marinate, at least two hours, but overnight is best.
- Before serving, toss with pistachios and parsley
- Serve on a bed of arugula
Notes
Nutrition
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Marcia
Did anyone actually make this?
Colleen
Hi Marcia. I, obviously, have made it. Do you have a question?
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
The colors in this salad are absolutely gorgeous and I bet it's packed with all sorts of delicious nutrients!
Colleen
Hi Claire, I think this salad has it all going on. 🙂 It's beautiful, delicious, AND nutrient packed!
Amanda Mason
I've never had a salad like this but this looks amazing! I need some new variety in my life1
Colleen
Don't we all need variety in our lives, Amanda? You will love this salad. Enjoy 🙂
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
Wow, what a gorgeous salad! Loving the flavor combo you have put together. Pinning to make for hubby's lunch this week.
Colleen
Thanks, Sam! I do hope that you save some for yourself, too! 🙂
Krista Price
I love everything about this salad. I love pairing peppery arugula with citrus fruits. This looks delicious!
Colleen
Hi Krista, thank you! The arugula is so perfect with sweet beets and tart citrus!
Sharon
I love beets so I'm excited to find this recipe! This would make a wonderful lunch or side for dinner.
Colleen
Sharon, as a fellow beet lover, I am excited that you found this recipe, too! And you are right, it is a perfect lunch or side for dinner.
Tammy
I adore beets and this salad is so beautiful and sounds so refreshing too! I can't wait to give this a go!
Colleen
Hi Tammy. Beets are perfect in winter salads, I think! This one is as delicious as it is beautiful. Enjoy!
Jacque Hastert
The addition of pistachios really takes this salad to the next level. It has just the right amount of crunch.
Colleen
I agree, Jacque! The pistachios are what really makes this salad so perfect. A little crunch is necessary in every salad, right?
Des
I bet the flavor in this salad is out of this world delicious. You have created a one-of-a-kind salad that is loaded with power foods.
Colleen
Hey Des, thanks so much! it really is that delicious, you will love it!
Kiki Johnson
I LOVELOVELOVE this salad! The colors look gorgeous against each other, it's healthy and I'm a huge fan of the rustic presentation in those wooden bowls!
Colleen
We love it too, Kiki! It's not only beautiful and healthy, it's also delicious!
lauren
Such a delicious winter salad! Beets and pistachios are a great combination of natural fat and winter veg. I love the orange addition for a pop of acidic flavor!
Colleen
Thanks Lauren! It really is a winning combo!
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
This is my kind of salad! I'm a huge fan of of beets and citrus together and this salad looks so tasty!
Colleen
Hi Dominique. Beets and citrus are a perfect combo aren't they? This salad is delicious!