A vibrant summer salad is a symphony of nature’s colors and flavors, a radiant tapestry woven with the golden glow of roasted carrots, the deep crimson of beetroot jewels, and the emerald embrace of tender greens. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, sweetened by the honeyed kiss of caramelized roots and the tangy notes of balsamic drizzle. Toasted nuts add a whisper of earthiness, while crumbled cheese melts like morning dew upon the leaves. It’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, a dance of textures and tastes that delights the senses and nourishes the soul.
A Vibrant, Fresh, Colourful Summer Salad
Author: Tony Tomlinson
Recipe type: Vegetarian
Cuisine: European
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Ingredients
- * Roasted Vegetables:
- * 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
- * 2 medium beetroots, peeled and cut into wedges
- * 2 tbsp olive oil
- * 1 tbsp honey
- * 1 tsp cumin seeds
- * Salt and pepper to taste
- * Salad:
- * 4 cups mixed salad leaves (e.g., arugula, baby spinach, and watercress)
- * ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- * ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- * ¼ cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries
- * Dressing:
- * 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- * 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- * 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- * 1 tsp honey
- * Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Vegetables:
- * Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- * Toss the carrots and beetroot with olive oil, honey, cumin seeds, salt, and pepper.
- * Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- * In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad:
- * In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed salad leaves with a bit of the dressing.
- * Arrange the roasted carrots and beetroot on top.
- * Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, and pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries over the salad.
- * Drizzle with more dressing as desired.
- Serve:
- * Serve the salad immediately, either as a light meal on its own or as a side dish.
- This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it an indulgent yet healthy choice for summer.
