7.10.2010

Beet and Orange Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

4 medium beets, stems trimmed to 1 inch
1 large navel orange
8 large Boston lettuce leaves
1-2 Tbsp. diced red onion

Arrange beets in one layer in steamer. Cover tightly and set pot over high heat. When water boils, reduce heat and simmer beets 45 minutes. Transfer beets to plate and let cool just enough to handle. Cut tops and root tip off beets. With your fingers, pull and slide off beet skin. Cut each beet crosswise into 6 slices. Grate 2 teaspoons zest from orange and set aside. Cut off top and bottom of orange. Setting orange on one of its cut sides on your work surface, slice off peel in strips, letting knife follow the curve of the fruit. Cut orange crosswise into 8 slices.

To assemble, line 4 salad plates with lettuce. On each plate, arrange 6 beet slices and 2 orange slices on top of lettuce. Sprinkle each with one-fourth of onions.

For the dressing:

¼ cup orange juice
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
½ tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

In a small bowl, whisk together orange and lemon juices, vinegar, salt and pepper until salt dissolves. Whisk in oil and add zest. Spoon dressing over the salad. Serve immediately.