Céklasaláta almával és dióval

Céklasaláta almával és dióval (Beetroot Salad with Apple and Walnuts) is a delightful Hungarian salad that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the crispness of apples and the crunch of walnuts. It’s perfect as a refreshing side dish or light meal. Here’s a recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:

  • 4 medium beets, peeled and cooked (or roasted)
  • 1 large apple, cored and diced (preferably a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

• For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beets:

   1. Cook the Beets: You can either boil or roast the beets. To boil, place them in a pot of water and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender. To roast, wrap the beets in aluminum foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Let them cool, then peel and cut into bite-sized cubes.

2. Prepare the Walnuts:

   1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until they are fragrant and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Apple:

   1. Dice the apple into bite-sized pieces. You can leave the skin on for added texture and color.

4. Prepare the Dressing:

   1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

5. Assemble the Salad:

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and chopped beets, diced apple, chopped walnuts, and finely diced red onion (if using).
   2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   1. If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the salad for added color and flavor.
   2. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

This salad is both visually appealing and delicious, with a great balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. It’s a wonderful addition to any meal or a standout dish on its own. Enjoy your céklasaláta almával és dióval!