Try this bright, crisp and buttery beetroot salad that is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and overall goodness.
By Maike Holland
Sweet apple and red beets are shredded together with kohlrabi, a fresh and crisp pale vegetable that has a mellow, slightly sharp and almost nutty taste. The salad is then dressed with a lovely vinaigrette made of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Nutty and ever so slightly chewy sesame seeds round up this sassy salad!
Raw red beetroots may make your kitchen look like you’ve created a blood-bath, but they are one delicious vegetable, even if you’ve never tried raw beet before. 
The deep dark red color of the flesh signalizes lots of antioxidant betacyanins that are awesome for neutralizing toxins in your blood as well as lower blood-pressure.
Beets are incredibly liver-cleansing and improve oxygen-levels in the blood, that means they’ll give your circulation a boost. That makes them great for athletes! Not to mention that beets are a good source of B Vitamins, such as choline, that is good for heart-health and is said to have anti-diabetic properties.
Kohlrabi for me evokes precious childhood memories! I used to love cooked kohlrabi sticks in a cream sauce – nowadays I enjoy them way more if they are left in their raw state as they remain incredibly crispy and are so hydrating. If you cannot find kohlrabi, maybe try subbing them with a handful of radishes – these will give the salad a more sharper edge, though.
Sesame seeds are my favourite seeds! They are the source of tahini, which might be one of my most beloved things in the world. Nothing lends more creaminess and depth to hummus than tahini and nothing makes a better topping for lightly steamed veggies. And have you tried slathering your favourite slice of bread with a mixture of tahini and raw honey? No? Please try. Please.
But sesame seeds are my friend also because these tiny guys are true nutrition – bombs. They contain lots of calcium, for strong bones and teeth as well as lots of Vitamin E for beautiful skin. They are said to strenghten your heart and nervous system and they contain special plant hormones calledsesamin and sesamolin (no joke there, guys!) that can lower blood pressure. I sure love that cutie seed!
If you do not have a food processor for shredding simply use an old fashioned hand-shredder, just take care of your fingertips and nails. And prepare for a good arm workout!
This salad holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it will become a favorite of yours, too! I’m sure you could try many different veggies, too! Be experimental, just like my dad, and see where it leads you to – you might be surprised (hopefully in a good way).
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Red Raw Beetroot and Sesame Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Vibrant raw beet salad with a sweet and tangy dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized red beets
- 1 apple
- 1 kohlrabi
- 4 TBSP sesame seeds
- 4 TBSP organic balsamic vinegar
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
- 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Peel and chop the beets into small cubes.
- Remove the thick skin from the kohlrabi, leaving only the white parts, and chop.
- Core the apple and slice into wedges.
- Shred the beets, kohlrabi, and apple into fine shreds using a food processor or by hand. Combine thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the beet and vegetable mix and stir.
- Fold in the toasted sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve and garnish with additional sesame seeds.
Notes
- To prevent the beets from bleeding, wear gloves while chopping them.
- For a milder flavor, use golden beets instead of red beets.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 3
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use if I can’t find kohlrabi for the salad?
If kohlrabi is unavailable, you can substitute it with a handful of radishes, which will add a sharper flavor to the salad.
How do I prevent the beets from staining my kitchen while preparing the salad?
To minimize staining, use a cutting board that you don’t mind getting discolored and wear gloves when handling raw beets.
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar for the vinaigrette?
While balsamic vinegar gives a unique flavor, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives, though the taste will vary slightly.
Dang this is a great dressing, loved loved loved it!
This looks absolutely delicious. I look forward to making it soon.
Rachel
http://easyenglisheating.blogspot.co.uk