Shaved Beet and Walnut Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
A colorful salad featuring delicate shaved beets and toasted walnuts, tossed in a tangy apple cider dressing for a skin-nourishing meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (whole30) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium, peeled and shaved beet, toasted walnuts, tablespoons apple cider vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, peeled and shaved beet
- 1/4 cup, toasted walnuts
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard in a small bowl until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Arrange 1 medium peeled and shaved beet (using a mandoline or sharp knife) on a plate, then top with 1/4 cup toasted walnuts.
- Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaved Beet and Walnut Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Shaved Beet and Walnut Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep toasted walnuts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shaved Beet and Walnut Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Shaved Beet and Walnut Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Shaved Beet and Walnut Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This salad was a hit at my summer picnic. The beets and walnuts created such a beautiful color contrast.
- ★★★★★
The apple cider vinaigrette tied everything together perfectly. My guests kept asking for the recipe!
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for a light lunch, though I'd add a pinch of salt to the dressing next time—it was slightly bland.
