Description
A delightful way to introduce fresh North African flavors into your meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 5 medium red beets, washed and trimmed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, packed, plus more for garnish
- ½ small red onion, sliced into ¼-inch thick half-moons
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- Flaky salt, to finish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This temperature is key for roasting the beets to perfection. While the oven is heating, take each beet, wash them thoroughly, and trim the ends. Wrap each individual beet in aluminum foil to ensure moisture retention during the roasting process. Once wrapped, place the beets on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven. You’ll want to roast them for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
- After the beets have finished roasting, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, use a paper towel to gently rub the skins off. This method makes peeling beets easy and straightforward, so you can avoid the messiness that comes with using a peeler. Once peeled, cut the beets into 2-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In the same mixing bowl where you placed the diced beets, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, extra-virgin olive oil, ground cumin, and kosher salt. Whisk or stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. This zesty dressing will enhance the beets’ natural sweetness and create a flavorful balance in the salad.
- Once your dressing is ready, add the sliced red onion, chopped mint leaves, and cilantro to the bowl containing the beets. This adds freshness and vibrant color to your dish. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the beets are coated evenly with the dressing and herbs. You can adjust seasoning according to your personal taste, adding more salt or cumin if needed.
- Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt over the salad for an extra layer of flavor if desired. Garnish your Moroccan Beet Salad with additional herbs for an eye-catching presentation. Serve this refreshing dish chilled or at room temperature, allowing its flavors to shine. Enjoy the delightful taste of North African-inspired cuisine right at your table!
Notes
Make this salad ahead of time; its flavors will develop further as it sits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g