Golden Beet Salad with Arugula and Walnuts

Few vegetables are more beautiful than golden beets. 

Thanks to increasing awareness regarding the incredible health benefits of beets, the golden variety is available at most grocery stores. 

Add spicy arugula and crunchy walnuts, along with a quick homemade balsamic vinaigrette, for a beautiful and satisfying salad. 

Just what is so great about beets? Like many vegetables, they’re rich in fiber, folate, and vitamin C. 

They’re also a great source of natural chemicals called nitrates, which your body converts into nitric acid. You may avoid nitrates in processed meat, but when they’re found in vegetables, they’re harmless. The benefits of naturally-occurring concentrated nitric acid include reduced inflammation, improved blood flow, and better workouts! (1)  

The detoxifying benefits of beets are a result of their high levels of betalains, a powerful phytonutrient. Betalains increase your body’s production of enzymes that help your liver detox more effectively. Eating more beets is a simple and delicious way to assist your body in eliminating toxins. 

Adding arugula to this beet and walnut salad is not just a natural flavor pairing -- it also improves digestion and plays its own role in detoxification. While many of the benefits of arugula are simply due to the fact that it’s a cruciferous vegetable, it may offer unique digestive benefits thanks to its stimulating bitter flavor. (2) 

Serve this golden beet salad with arugula with roasted chickpeas or grilled fish for a colorful and delicious supper. 

Golden Beet Salad with Walnuts and Arugula 

Makes 4 servings (Click here to print!)

2 lbs. golden beets, roasted and peeled 

4 ounces arugula

½ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1 avocado, thinly sliced 

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup olive oil (get my favorite quality brand here)

Fresh herbs, finely chopped (basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley are all delicious) 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Honey to taste 

1. On a large serving platter, arrange thin slices of beets and avocado with arugula. Sprinkle with walnuts. 

2. In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vinegar and olive oil. Shake well until dressing emulsifies. Add herbs, salt, pepper, and honey to taste and shake again. 

3. Drizzle dressing over salad and enjoy immediately. 

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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.