Mixed Greens with Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, Pistachios and Orange Vinagrette

The holiday season is here. People are in the spirit of giving, celebrating and definitely eating. I’m always trying to create holiday menus that are on the lighter side to not only accommodate my palate, but also to those that do not know how to portion size and stuff themselves so much that they have to unbutton their pants in order to breathe normally again. Just think of how many diets and weight loss plans we could eliminate if people would just eat the right foods in the right amounts over the holidays.

I am always thankful when I see a salad served at a party. At least I know I have a healthier option to the usual heavy side dishes. These experiences are what encourage me to serve lighter dishes, including salads, at my holiday gatherings. I eat salads almost every day and am always looking for really fresh greens. Speaking of fresh greens, look at these! How can you walk past this and not purchase it? It is absolutely gorgeous! If it wasn’t on your menu before going to the market, it will be now!

These red leaf and butter lettuces are fresh, crisp and are from Swallowtail Farms. The arugula added a bit of a peppery bite to the salad mix that was perfect. I highly encourage you to go and pick out your favorite greens at the local farmers markets for the highest quality products. I came up with a recipe that is not only great for a holiday menu, due to its festive colors, but it is also super easy. Check out my recipe Mixed Greens with Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, Pistachios and Orange Vinaigrette. Clink on link to view recipe.

The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for the beets to cook and cool. You almost have to put it in the oven, check off a few things on your daily task list and then come back to finish up the recipe. Here is what the beets looked like once they came out of the oven. They don’t look like much now, but once the skin is peeled, there is a beautiful reddish/purplish root vegetable underneath. When you are peeling the skin, your hands and cutting board will probably turn pink but don’t worry, it will wash off.

I didn’t used to be a big fan of beets because all I was ever served were the canned pickled kind. Still not a big fan of those. However, once I tried roasting them, I understood what beet lovers were talking about. It has an earthy sweetness to it that also pairs well with the creamy goat cheese. Well, anything served with goat cheese is absolutely delicious in my book. The red onion and pistachios give the salad that crunchy texture. I love pistachios and I enjoy eating them…. a handful at a time. I am totally guilty of buying the already shelled pistachios just so I don’t have to sit there and shell them myself. I have to be careful though because I will polish off a whole bowl without even realizing it. The citrus dressing is light and also compliments the other ingredients with its sweet and tangy flavor. This salad is crisp, creamy and crunchy all at the same time. Doesn’t it look amazing?!….

Trust me, it tastes just as good as it looks. It’s a delicious dish that you can serve on the side or as a main course with a piece of grilled chicken, shrimp or fish. This salad’s colors scream holiday salad, but It is perfect for any time of the year.