Beet Salad with Pecans and Blue Cheese

Ingredients and Weight:

• Beets: 500 grams (approximately 2 large beets)
• Pecans: 100 grams (roughly 1 cup)
• Blue cheese: 100 grams (crumbled)
• Red wine vinegar: 3 tablespoons
• Extra virgin olive oil: 5 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley): to garnish

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes (includes preparation of beets and salad dressing)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes (for beets)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty - requires precise timing for beet cooking and preparation of the salad)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Scrub and clean the beets, then wrap them in aluminum foil.
3. Place the wrapped beets in the oven and roast for 30 minutes, or until tender.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool. Once cooled, peel the beets and cut into thin slices or cubes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the beets with the pecans, crumbled blue cheese, and fresh herbs.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the salad dressing.
7. Pour the dressing over the beet mixture and toss gently to combine.
8. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on average values and may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish combines the earthy flavor of beets with the crunch of pecans and the tangy taste of blue cheese.
• The red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil create a dressing that is both rich and acidic, enhancing the flavor of the salad.
• It is a healthy and vibrant dish that is both visually appealing and delicious.

User Comments:

1. "This salad was a great combination of flavors! The beets were cooked perfectly, and the dressing was delicious."
2. "I loved the addition of pecans and blue cheese. It gave the salad a unique and interesting taste."
3. "This is a great dish for a special occasion. The presentation is beautiful, and it was a hit at my dinner party."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to choose fresh beets for best flavor and texture.
• When roasting the beets, wrap them tightly in foil to prevent them from leaking color and flavor onto other foods in the oven.
• Adjust the seasoning of the salad dressing according to your preference.
• If you prefer a less rich dressing, you can reduce the amount of extra virgin olive oil used.