This Roasted Beet and Labneh Salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side salad. The beets are roasted until tender and then combined with labneh, a Middle Eastern yogurt cheese, and a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. The salad is then topped with fresh herbs and pistachios for a little crunch. You can easily customize this salad by adding in different herbs or nuts, or by swapping out the labneh for another type of cheese. This salad is also gluten-free and can be made vegan by omit ting the labneh.
Ingredients
- 3 large beets, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup labneh
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Method
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toss the beets with olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring a few times, until they are tender and lightly browned.
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted beets, labneh, lemon juice, parsley, mint, and pistachios. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Potential changes & improvements
There are many ways that you can change up this salad to suit your taste. Try using different herbs, such as cilantro or basil, in place of the parsley and mint. You could also use crumbled feta or goat cheese in place of the labneh. For a little more sweetness, add in some diced fresh fruit, such as grapes or apples. And if you want a bit more of a crunch, you could add in some toasted nuts or seeds.
What other food it works well with
This salad pairs well with just about anything. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making this salad is not roasting the beets long enough. Be sure to roast the beets until they are tender and lightly browned, otherwise they will be tough and not as flavorful. Another mistake is not adding enough of the fresh herbs. The herbs really brighten up the flavors in the salad, so be sure to add a good amount of them.
Nutritional Information
This salad is packed with nutrients. The beets are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The labneh is high in protein and calcium. And the pistachios add a good amount of healthy fats and antioxidants. This salad is also relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight.
Allergens
This salad is gluten-free and can be made vegan by omit ting the labneh.