Pickled beet and pear salad: A refreshing twist on a classic dish

Salads are an integral part of many homemade dinners, adding not only freshness but also nutritional value to meals. One of my favourite side dishes to main courses is a red salad whose unique taste is enhanced by a surprising ingredient – pear. Its subtle sweetness perfectly complements the sour taste of pickled beets, creating a harmonious whole that will surely appeal to all household members.

Pickled beets are a true treasure trove of vitamins and probiotics that support our immune system and improve digestion. They are usually associated with the preparation of fermented beet soup, but it's worth utilizing them in another way to avoid wasting this valuable resource. Pickled beet salad, enriched with carrots and pear, is an excellent proposal for a healthy and delicious side dish for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 500 millilitres of pickled beets (grated),
• 1 carrot (grated),
• 1 pear (grated),
• 1/2 bunch of parsley (chopped),
• 2 handfuls of walnuts (toasted and chopped),
• 3 tablespoons of canola oil,
• 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar,
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard,
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey,
• pinch of salt.

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Drain the pickled beets and grate them using a coarse grater. Peel the carrot and pear, then grate them using the same grater.
2. Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, and salt.
3. Combining the ingredients: Add chopped parsley and toasted walnuts in a bowl with the vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over it and mix thoroughly.
4. Cooling: Transfer the ready salad to a dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes Eastern Time. This will help the flavours meld better.

Variations:

• Spicy accents: If you like spicy flavours, add a pinch of chilli or cayenne pepper to the salad.
• Other nuts: Instead of walnuts, you can use other nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts.
• Green accents: Besides parsley, add chopped cilantro or mint to the salad.

Pickled beet, carrot, and pear salad is an excellent choice for those who value healthy and tasty meals. Its original taste and beautiful appearance will surely impress your guests. Try this recipe and see for yourself how much pleasure experimenting in the kitchen can bring!