Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing

When I think about the vibrant and earthy flavors of Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing, I can’t help but remember my first discovery of beets. It was a sunny spring day, and I decided to try something new in my kitchen. As I peeled those ruby-red roots, their earthy aroma filled the air, hinting at the deliciousness to come. The idea of pairing them with a zesty olive and mint dressing was born out of a desire to balance the sweetness of the beets with a punch of flavor. The delightful combination instantly transformed my ordinary lunch into something extraordinary. This dish is not just a feast for the senses; it’s a celebration of spring’s bounty, bringing life to any table.

As I learned to prepare this dish, I found that Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing is incredibly versatile. It can serve as a stunning appetizer or a side dish that steals the spotlight. The colorful presentation is always a hit at gatherings, sparking conversation and enticing those around to take a bite. With each forkful, you experience the soft, tender beets, the crunch of olives, and the refreshing notes of mint. It’s a dish that tells a story of my culinary journey, where exploration meets tradition.

Every time I serve this dish, it brings joy not just to my palate but also to those who share it with me. The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, while the combination of flavors dances on the tongue. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing will leave a lasting impression. I invite you to bring this dish into your kitchen and witness the magic unfold as you create something truly special.

Ingredients for Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing

When it comes to the ingredients for Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing, simplicity is key. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious dish. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs beautifully with the briny olives, while the mint adds a refreshing twist. Together, they form a delightful combination that celebrates the best of spring.

• 6 medium beets (about 800 grams) – These vibrant roots are the stars of the dish, offering a sweet, earthy base.
• ½ cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and chopped – Their rich flavor and buttery texture complement the beets perfectly.
• 1 small shallot, sliced paper thin – Adds a subtle onion flavor that enhances the overall taste without overpowering it.
• 1 tablespoon capers, roughly chopped – Their briny, tangy essence balances the sweetness of the beets.
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest – Infuses a bright, citrusy note that elevates the dish.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds acidity that brightens the flavors.
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided – Used for roasting and dressing, it provides richness and depth.
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste – Essential for enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped – Offers a refreshing contrast to the beets and olives.
• 2 tablespoons parsley leaves, chopped – Adds a fresh, herbal touch to the dressing.
• 1 ripe avocado – Creamy and buttery, it’s the perfect topping to finish off this dish.

Cooking Instructions for Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing

Cooking Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing is a delightful experience. The process begins with roasting the beets, allowing their natural sweetness to intensify. As you prepare the dressing, the aroma of the olives and mint fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Place the beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook the beets until very tender, about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a knife slides through easily.
3. Once the beets are cooked, carefully remove them from the water using tongs and let them cool slightly on a cutting board. This is a good time to admire their vibrant color!
4. When the beets are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. They should slip off easily. Transfer the peeled beets to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Using the bottom of a wide bowl or jar, gently crush the beets until they break into various craggy fragments. Don’t worry about making them uniform – the irregular shapes add character!
6. Spread the crushed beets out in an even layer on the baking sheet. This will ensure they roast evenly.
7. Drizzle the crushed beets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season generously with sea salt and ground black pepper. This step is crucial for enhancing their natural flavors. Slide the baking sheet into the oven for 20 minutes, or until the surface of the beets has dried out a bit.
8. While the beets are roasting, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, combine the olives, shallot, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil. Season with some ground black pepper. Use a fork to whisk everything together, ensuring it’s well combined.
9. Once the roasted and crushed beets are out of the oven, transfer them to your serving platter, arranging them in one layer.
10. Next, peel, pit, and dice the avocado. Scatter the diced avocado evenly over the beets. The creaminess of the avocado adds a wonderful contrast.
11. Finally, stir the chopped mint and parsley into the dressing. Spoon the dressing generously over the crushed beets and avocado. Serve this delightful dish immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!

Expert Tips about Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing

When making Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing, a few expert tips can turn an already delicious recipe into something truly extraordinary. Here’s what I’ve gathered from my own experiences in the kitchen.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it just as tasty the next day.
• Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish. The texture of the beets and avocado tends to change after freezing, which might not produce the best result.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken. The freshness of the mint and olives complement lighter proteins perfectly.
• Presentation: For an even more stunning presentation, consider serving this on a bed of mixed greens. It adds color and a refreshing crunch!
• Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of olives or even add some feta cheese for a tangy kick, as long as you adhere to your dietary preferences.

What to Serve Alongside Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing

Thinking about what to serve with Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing? There are many options that can complement this vibrant dish. Here are some ideas:

• A Grilled Protein: Pair this dish with grilled chicken or fish. The earthy sweetness of the beets meshes well with the smoky flavors of the grill.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon would enhance the freshness of the dish while providing a hearty side.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving alongside a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables. The caramelization of the veggies will highlight the flavors in the beet dish.
• Cheese Plate: This can be an excellent addition to a cheese platter, offering a beautiful contrast with creamy cheeses.
• Perfect for Brunch: Serve this dish at brunch alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet for a delightful start to your day.
• Appetizer for Gatherings: Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing can serve as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering, captivating your guests’ attention.

FAQ

Conclusion

The vibrant colors and flavors of Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing truly make it a standout dish. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the freshness of spring with healthy ingredients and delightful textures. I encourage you to give this recipe a try! You’ll love not only how it tastes but also how beautiful it looks on your table. Enjoy the journey of making this dish and sharing it with loved ones.

Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing

The ultimate blend of earthy and refreshing, Crushed Beets with Chunky Olive Mint Dressing is a delightful dish perfect for spring. With vibrant colors and flavors, it's an easy way to impress your guests or enjoy a healthy meal at home. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 medium Beets about 800 grams
• ½ cup Castelvetrano olives pitted and chopped
• 1 small Shallot sliced paper thin
• 1 tablespoon Capers roughly chopped
• ½ teaspoon Lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• ¼ cup Olive oil divided
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil divided
• to taste Sea salt
• to taste Ground black pepper
• ¼ cup Fresh mint leaves chopped
• 2 tablespoons Parsley leaves chopped
• 1 ripe Avocado

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Place the beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the beets to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook until very tender, about 30 minutes.
3. Take the beets out of the water with tongs and let them cool a bit on a cutting board.
4. Once cool enough to handle, slip the skins off of the beets. Then, transfer the beets to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Using the bottom of a wide bowl or jar, gently crush the beets until they break off into craggy fragments. Spread the pieces out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
6. Drizzle the crushed beets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the beets with salt and pepper. Slide the baking sheet into the oven for 20 minutes, or until the beets have dried out a tiny bit on the surface.
7. While beets are roasting, make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the olives, shallot, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining ¼ cup of olive oil, and some ground black pepper. Use a fork to "whisk" and mix it up. Set aside.
8. Transfer the roasted and crushed beets to your serving platter, placing them in one layer.
9. Peel, pit, and dice the avocado, and scatter the diced pieces evenly over the beets.
10. Quickly stir the mint and parsley leaves into the dressing, and then spoon the dressing over the crushed beets and avocado. Serve immediately!

Notes

• Tip 1: You can use those pre-cooked and wrapped beets that you sometimes find at the grocery store. They’re usually soft enough to “crush” right out of the package. My only tip is to let them come to room temperature first.
• Tip 2: Any type of pitted olive that you like works in this recipe!
• Tip 3: No need to salt the dressing at all! Olives and capers make it salty enough.

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Meet Stella Ross

I’m Stella, and I believe that even a busy Tuesday night deserves a special meal. I love taking simple pantry ingredients and turning them into something that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of coziness to your kitchen today!"