raw beet salad with macerated shallots

by Kristen on July 28, 2009 · 7 comments

Why does everyone insist that beets need to be cooked or pickled to enjoy them. When I served up this raw beet salad there was fear in the eyes of some as they had never eaten a beet raw. Beets are like carrots only different, I explained. After the first bite they understood. The sweet and crunchy texture is great together and the mellowed vinegary shallots add a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the beet. New way to enjoy the ruby red of summer.

Raw Beet Salad with Macerated Shallots

2 farm fresh beets
1 medium shallot
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, or your favorite
sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
2-4 Tbsp olive oil, depending on your taste (we like equal vinegar to oil)

Thinly slice the beets, I used a mandoline, but a very sharp knife and a steady hand will also do the job. Do the same with the shallot. Again, I used the mandoline for this.

In a small bowl add the shallots, vinegar, salt & pepper, taste to see if it is seasoned enough. Leave to macerate for a few minutes, but 10-20 minutes will taste better. Then add the 2 Tbsp olive oil and whisk to combine, stick your finger in there and taste again. No one is looking. Add more oil if the vinegar is too strong for your liking.

When combined, lay the beets out on a platter and pour over the dressing. This can sit for quite a while, it is even good the next day as the flavors meld. Great Picnic food!

Tagged as: beets, CSA, gluten-free, raw, salad, vegan, vegetarian

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

1 biz319 July 28, 2009 at 2:34 pm: I wish I liked beets, they are so colorful! And sorry, can't do the onions either – but I love onion rings! Go figure!
2 Jenna July 28, 2009 at 5:10 pm: had to come check out this recipe with beet and macerated in the title! love that the beets are raw, i prefer them that way. odd because i prefer carrots cooked. i'll be too lazy to get my mandolin down, and settle for too thick slices with my cutco chef's knife
3 veron July 29, 2009 at 5:19 am: For the longest time, I always thought beets came in a can. This sounds delectable with the shallot and cider vineger!
4 Sylvia July 29, 2009 at 10:00 am: I'll try this and let you know what I think. It sounds good and a great way to use the beautiful fresh beets.
5 Sophie July 30, 2009 at 5:33 am: I adore raw beet salads like these: easy yet so yummie!
6 lisaiscooking July 31, 2009 at 11:45 am: Beautiful salad, and the flavors sound great. I'm a fan of beets in any form or style.
7 tasteofbeirut December 4, 2009 at 6:35 am: My daughter keeps telling me that raw beet tastes better than roasted beets! I think I will try it and use this recipe, it looks delicious!