Sometimes I think I get into trouble with you my gentle readers because I don’t do as many “wow” recipes as I used to. I realize seared scallops can knock it out of the park and many people are cruising blogs looking for quadruple-layer chocolate cakes to satisfy their food fantasies. So yes, I know in my heart that today’s Golden Beet Salad with Avocado and Haricot Verts might be a disappointment to those of you looking for gravity-defying-stacks of fantastical food. However neither my wallet nor waistline can afford these treats on a daily basis. So as much as I love bringing the wow-factor every now and again, I can honestly say that I also enjoy presenting real food from real life.
Golden Beet Salad
For me, real food and real life include eating seasonally. Prime season for ripe California Avocados starts right now. Which is why I have chosen this Golden Beet Salad with Avocado and Haricot Verts. It’s fresh and seasonal. It has just a few ingredients – each one chosen to augment the other. While it’s true that this is “just a salad” I like to think that it’s in no way boring. Because you don’t need to switch into zombie mode every time you make a green salad. A salad does not have to limit itself to lettuce and tomatoes.
Take this salad: beets, avocado, watercress, haricot verts, some herbs, and spices – nary a legit lettuce leaf to be located. But it’s a winning combination nonetheless. It has diverse textures and bold flavors. The creamy California Hass Avocados I chose add a luxurious counterpoint to the crunch and snap of barely cooked green beans. A sweet and sour dressing along with cilantro and mint make the flavors bright, but the peppery bite of watercress keeps it from getting too cloying.
This nourishing creation could probably be dubbed a “superfood” salad, a term I try not to use much, mainly because I think all food is “super”. Still, there’s so much good stuff in here that it makes you feel conscientious just looking at these pics. Served as it is it’s a terrific first course. However it can also be a substantial meal – just scatter some lean protein and/or chunks of creamy goat cheese over the top.
Which doesn’t mean you won’t find a perfect sliver of seared goose liver resting on toasted brioche and served alongside a dollop of pineapple and pink peppercorn chutney right here on these very pages sometime very soon. My interests and tastes are diverse. I find joy in the simplicity of good food as well as the drama of true gastronomy. So keep coming back. I always want to keep you guessing. GREG
California Avocados did not compensate me for this post, but as a Californian, I love to feature California produce whenever I can.
We’ve had salad on the brain lately at my place, Greg! I love find new and exciting ingredients to serve in a salad and I’ll be on the look out for fresh, golden beets! I love red beets, and I hope to try this salad soon. Looks perfect!
You and i think alike. I have something very similar. This is stunning. So good for you. Such a nice presentation.
Hmm, this is the way I feel about the recipes I share but not what I see here. This is my kind of salad and its simplicity is one of its best qualities.
I’m sure a lot of people are cruising the web in search of fantastical foods, but I think it’s imperative that you don’t shy away from posting real, everyday foods — especially ones that are this fresh and lovely. That is often precisely what I’m looking for. It’s inspiring.
This is real food blogging to me. Real food, no crazy food styling, no out-of-the-world techniques. Beautiful.
I, for one, think this is more glorious than a seared scallop. However I would not object to one being placed on top!
I much prefer these “real life” recipes, and think of them more as “fantasy recipes” because, while simple, they do knock it out of the park! Beautiful colors, too.
This is a great salad and I love California avocados, I am getting some from my girlfriend’s tree.
Beet salad has become one of my favorites! We make it often, and whenever I see it on a restaurant menu, it’s hard to resist. Just have to try their version! Have to try this version, too — terrific stuff. Thanks!
First of all, I must comment on the colour of this salad, it’s absolutely gorgeous! Golden beats are one of our favourite foods and paired with goats cheese in this beautiful salad would make it a perfect meal, satisfying but not too filling.