Golden beet and bulghur salad

Discover the delightful blend of golden beets and nutty bulghur in this flavorful salad. A harmonious balance of textures and flavors awaits!

Ingredients:

• 3-4 golden beets
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for cooking beets
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups bulghur wheat
• juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon
• juice of 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons walnut oil
• 1/4 cup chopped dill
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 6-7 mint leaves
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/3 cup diced ricotta salata cheese

Instructions:

1. Clean the beets thoroughly by scrubbing them. If the beets measure over 1 ½ inches in diameter, cut them in half. Mix them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with about ¼ cup of water.
2. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for approximately 7 minutes. To check if they are cooked, try inserting a sharp paring knife all the way into one beet. If they are still slightly firm, cover and let them rest for a few more minutes. Allow the beets to cool down, then peel and chop them.
3. While the beets are cooking, place bulghur in a bowl and add about ½ teaspoon of salt. Pour enough boiling water over the bulghur to cover it. Cover the bowl and let the bulghur soak for around 15 minutes until it softens. Drain any excess water.
4. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, a good pinch or two of salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the walnut oil and up to ¼ cup of olive oil (to your taste).
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beets, bulghur, herbs, walnuts, and cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad until everything is evenly coated (keeping any extra dressing aside) and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. If you won't be serving it for a few hours, add the walnuts just before serving to keep them crunchy. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed (as it sits, it may absorb more dressing and require additional moisture and salt).

Summary:

• Calories: 2796 kcal
• Fat: 191 g
• Protein: 61 g
• Carbs: 250 g
• Potassium: 2806 mg
• Magnesium: 605 mg