Skip to main content

Golden and Crimson Beet Salad with Oranges, Fennel, and Feta

Oranges, fennel, and toasted hazelnuts perk up red and yellow beets in this versatile salad from Chef Alfred Portale of the long-beloved Gotham Bar and Grill in New York City. Equal parts rustic and refined, with an eye-catching mix of colors and sophisticated blend of ingredients, this salad is perfect as a dinner-party starter or main-course accompaniment. Try grilling the beets, instead of roasting, to add yet another layer of flavor.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 large (3-inch) red beets, all but 1 inch of tops trimmed
2 large (3-inch) golden beets, all but
1 inch of tops trimmed
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 oranges
1 small fresh fennel bulb, trimmed, quartered, cored, and cut into paper-thin strips
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked, and halved
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Kosher or other coarse salt
Freshly ground white pepper
1 1/2 cups coarsely crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place all the beets in a 9-inch square metal pan. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of oil over, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Cover the pan with foil and roast the beets until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Uncover and cool completely.

    Step 2

    Peel the beets, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and place in a large bowl, each color on opposite side; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Cut all peel and pith off the oranges. Working over a medium bowl to catch the juice, cut between the membranes, releasing the segments. Add 1 cup of orange segments and the fennel, mint, parsley, hazelnuts, and shallot to the bowl with the beets.

    Step 4

    Transfer 2 teaspoons of orange juice to a small bowl; whisk in the vinegar and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season the dressing to taste with salt and white pepper. Stir into the beet mixture.

    Step 5

    Mound the salad on a large platter. Drain the remaining orange segments; arrange on salad. Sprinkle with cheese.

  2. DO AHEAD

    Step 6

    The BEETS can be roasted 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.

The Epicurious Cookbook
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
A slow-simmering, comforting braise delivering healing to both body and soul.
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Summer’s best produce cooked into one vibrant, silky, flavor-packed dish.