Today I'd like to share two quick and easy salads that will make you look like a gourmand! They're quickest and easiest if you have a Trader Joe's nearby - they carry two products under the Trader Joe's label that offer the ultimate in convenience and the best part? They don't add anything - no preservatives, no sugar - just steamed and peeled beets and pre-soaked, pre-cooked lentils. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you it will just be a point of cooking the lentils or beets ahead of time, which adds some time, but will be no less yummy!
As with all my recipes, no two finished products are the same - it's all based on what I have in the fridge at the time but there are always onions! For the beet salad, thinly slice a whole sweet onion and the beets and throw them in a bowl. Be careful when slicing the beets - those little buggers stain! Add the excess juice and salt and pepper to taste. Add balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil. I like to add some greens too - spinach or arugula or basil (or all three!) work well. Stir it up so the onions soak in the beet flavors - this is one of those salads that will taste even better the next day. When serving add some crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese on top for extra fancy flavor!
The lentil salad is basically the same recipe - onions, oil & vinegar, salt and pepper and some greens but I like to dice the onion so they match the size of the lentils and instead of balsamic I prefer red wine vinegar which has a mellower flavor and doesn't overwhelm the lentils. If serving these salads at the same time vary the greens - spinach with the beets and arugula with the lentils, for example, and always basil if you have some available for at least one of them. For even more variety throw a little curry powder into the lentil mix by whisking some with the oil before drizzling it on. If you wish to add cheese at serving time, feta would make a nice addition.
These salads are simple to assemble and travel well - perfect for potlucks! And, since beets, lentils and onions are considered some of our healthiest foods you'll be sharing a good-for-you gourmet alternative.
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