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Spinach, Beet and Walnut Salad

Food writer Janet Fletcher says, "During my childhood, the only salad on the Thanksgiving buffet was an old-fashioned Waldorf with chopped apples, celery, walnuts and mayonnaise. Frankly, I don’t miss it. This contemporary salad has the walnuts and the crunch, but is much fresher and far more inviting."

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

1

1/2 pounds medium beets, trimmed

1

/2 cup walnut oil or olive oil

1

/4 cup Sherry wine vinegar

2

large shallots, minced

2

(6-ounce) packages baby spinach

4

heads Belgian endive, thinly sliced crosswise

1

cup walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped (about 4 ounces)

6

ounces soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet), crumbled

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap beets in foil and bake until tender when pierced with knife, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Cool slightly, then peel. Cut each beet into 8 wedges. Place in medium bowl. Cover.

    Step 2

    Whisk oil and vinegar in small bowl. Mix in minced shallots. Pour 3 tablespoons dressing over warm beets; toss. Cool. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover beets and remaining dressing separately; refrigerate. Bring dressing to room temperature before continuing.)

    Step 3

    Combine spinach, endive and 3/4 cup nuts in large bowl. Pour remaining dressing over; toss. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates. Sprinkle cheese over. Top with beets and 1/4 cup nuts.