Name: Citrus Beet Salad with Creme Fraiche & Mint
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Modern
Ingredients: 1 lb beets, cut to bite-sized pieces; 5 tangerines (or substitute oranges); 1/3 cup julienne carrots; 1 1/2 lemon; 1/2 cup creme fraiche; 1/4 cup mint, chopped (leave some whole for garnish); 1/3 cup crushed almonds, pumpkin seeds, or favorite nut; Additional Toppings for an extra kick: cinnamon, cardamom, and agave

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So Is This a Salad or a Dessert?

Although this could be referred to as a salad, I categorize this more like a dessert. The beets mixed with the tangerines are VERY sweet, top it off with creme fraiche and you have yourself a BOMBa$$ dessert…hey, or salad…potat-o patat-o. I think of it more as a veggie dessert. And I feel less guilty about eating it than if it were a flour-based dessert.

Will I be covered in Red Beet Dye After Making This?

No, put on your best household clothes (not white!), and get started. Also, I put some parchment or wax paper on top of my cutting board just so it wouldn’t stain. You don’t have to, but it’s what I did, just in case.

What Kind of Tools are Used to Make This Dessert/Salad?

There really isn’t much except that I must say I loooooooove my oxo julienne peeler! It is so small, lightweight, easy to use, and makes gorgeous julienne cuts in a matter of seconds. Clean up is a breeze, and the ergonomics of the handle feels great in the hand.

Additional Notes For This Citrus Beet Salad?

Citrus Fruits: You can substitute oranges instead of tangerines. I just had tangerines on hand. The tangerines are a lot sweeter…and oranges will have a bit more tang.

Creme Fraiche: You can definitely make the salad and have it on its own. However, what really balances out the flavor is actually the creme fraiche – mild, creamy, subtle, with a bit of savoriness to balance out the sweetness of the beets and tangerines/oranges. It’s sort of a must!

Yogurt Substitution: I have substituted yogurt instead of creme fraiche, and this will make it a little less savory but still excellent! When I made it with yogurt, I especially added the granola, pumpkin seeds, along with dashes of cinnamon, cardamom, and topped with agave (that is mentioned in the recipe card). Now, THAT added good texture, crunch, and more dynamic flavor! Of course, if you are vegan, you sub your favorite vegan cheese or yogurt:))

Yield: 3