Pickled beetroot and pear salad: A refreshing take on dinner sides

Salads are an integral part of many homemade dinners, adding freshness and nutritional value to meals. One of my favourite side dishes is a red salad whose unique taste is enhanced by a surprising ingredient – pear. Its subtle sweetness perfectly complements the sour taste of pickled beetroots, creating a harmonious whole that will surely appeal to all household members.

Pickled beetroots are a true treasure trove of vitamins and probiotics that support our immune system and improve digestion. They are usually associated with preparing fermented beetroot soup, but it's worth utilising them in another way to avoid wasting this valuable resource. Pickled beetroot salad, enriched with carrots and pear, is an excellent proposal for a healthy and delicious side dish for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of pickled beetroots (grated),
• 1 carrot (grated),
• 1 pear (grated),
• 1/2 bunch of parsley (chopped),
• 2 handfuls of walnuts (toasted and chopped),
• 3 tablespoons of rapeseed oil,
• 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar,
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard,
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey,
• pinch of salt.

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Drain the pickled beetroots and grate them using a coarse grater. Peel the carrot and pear, then grate them using the same grater.
2. Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, and salt.
3. Combining the ingredients: Add the vegetables to a bowl, along with the chopped parsley and toasted walnuts. Pour the prepared dressing over it and mix thoroughly.
4. Cooling: Transfer the ready salad to a dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavours meld better.

Variations:

• Spicy accents: If you like spicy flavours, add a pinch of chilli or cayenne pepper to the salad.
• Other nuts: Instead of walnuts, you can use other nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts.
• Green accents: Add chopped coriander or mint to the salad besides parsley.

Pickled beetroot, carrot, and pear salad is an excellent choice for those who value healthy and tasty meals. Its original taste and beautiful appearance will surely impress your guests. Try this recipe and see how much pleasure experimenting in the kitchen can bring!