Dandelion-Beet Salad

Updated May 23, 2024

Dandelion-Beet Salad
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
45 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rating
4(87)
Notes
Read community notes

Wild dandelion greens are abundant in the spring, and you can find the organic cultivated ones from California in most supermarkets. They have a pleasant bitterness and are best tossed with a zesty dressing like the one here. But if you cannot find dandelion greens, you can also substitute sturdy, peppery arugula or watercress.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 3tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice (from 1 large lemon) or use sherry vinegar
  • 1tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 3medium beets, cooked, peeled and cut into ½-inch-thick wedges
  • 1bunch tender dandelion greens (about ½ pound), washed, dried and bottoms trimmed
  • 1(4-ounce) log plain goat cheese (chèvre), in ¼-inch-thick slices
  • ¾cup toasted walnut pieces
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

246 calories; 21 grams fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 8 grams polyunsaturated fat; 10 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 8 grams protein; 304 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the vinaigrette: Put 3 tablespoons lemon juice in a small bowl. With a fork, whisk in mustard to dissolve. Whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Season the beets: Put beet wedges in a wide, low bowl or baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice or sherry vinegar. Add 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette and toss well. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes. Taste before serving: They may need more salt and acid.

  3. Step 3

    To serve, put dandelion leaves in a large mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt and half of the remaining vinaigrette and toss to coat. Taste and add more vinaigrette to your preference. Pile salad onto a platter or individual plates. Top with beets and goat cheese in a random pattern. Sprinkle with walnuts.

Ratings

4 out of 5
87 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

I would have been nice if the author had included instructions for cooking the beets. I would suggest roasting them (unpeeled, in a pan with a tiny bit of water, tightly covered with foil, oven at 400 degrees, roast for 45 minutes to one hour).

Yes, that's the way to do it. Another way to roast is to prick the beets and wrap in aluminum foil, then roast in a medium oven (put a pan on the shelf underneath in case of drips). Easy and good.

Step 1 | It's not vinaigrette unless you include vinegar. A little red wine or balsamic vinegar is a nice choice for this dressing. Nothing is better for whisking than a... whisk. Step 2 | Mandarin orange wedges are a nice addition for this salad.

Step 1 | It's not vinaigrette unless you include vinegar. A little red wine or balsamic vinegar is a nice choice for this dressing. Nothing is better for whisking than a... whisk. Step 2 | Mandarin orange wedges are a nice addition for this salad.

I love to "roast" beets in my Instapot for 28 minutes with one cup of water with herbs (bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, dill, whatever...). I usually just let it natural release. The beets release their peels easily because of the pressure and are infused by the herb water. Easy clean up, no foil needed and no additional heat in my kitchen.

After roasting, the unpeeled beets the skin can usually easily be rubbed off under running water.

Is it safe to forage the dandelion leaves

Delicious! Thank you

I would have been nice if the author had included instructions for cooking the beets. I would suggest roasting them (unpeeled, in a pan with a tiny bit of water, tightly covered with foil, oven at 400 degrees, roast for 45 minutes to one hour).

Roast beets as opposed to boil?

Yes, that's the way to do it. Another way to roast is to prick the beets and wrap in aluminum foil, then roast in a medium oven (put a pan on the shelf underneath in case of drips). Easy and good.

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