Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup frogeye pasta
- 2 medium beets, peeled and diced
- 4 oz. crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook frogeye pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced beets, crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts, and baby spinach.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 11g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Frogeye pasta can be substituted with any small pasta shape.
- Baby spinach can be substituted with any leafy greens.
- Walnuts can be substituted with any nuts.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese.
- Roast the beets for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the beets from bleeding onto the other ingredients, toss them separately with the dressing before adding them to the salad.
- Toast the walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large salad bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts.
Garnishes:
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Chopped walnuts
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beets are too hard, roast them in the oven before adding them to the salad.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to thoroughly wash the baby spinach before using it in the salad.
Food history:
- Beets have been cultivated for thousands of years and were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for their medicinal properties.
Flavor profiles:
- This salad has a sweet and earthy flavor from the beets, a tangy and creamy flavor from the goat cheese, and a nutty flavor from the walnuts.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or as a side dish to a larger meal.
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