Brighten Up Your Winter with a Hot Pink Salad
Like a concerned parent's lecture or the Taken franchise, some things seem to never end, and this winter is no different. Bone-chilling cold has us reaching for mac'n'cheese and meatloaf, soups and stew. And sure, these hearty comfort foods are classics, and you can't mess with a classic. But those heavy meals-and not to mention bland colors swirling together- can be just as boring and depressing as those lifeless branches in the gray landscape outside your window.
It's important to shake things up and add some new flavors and brightness into your day, both on and off your plate. Join an indoor sports team with some friends, learn a new skill, take a class, read more...the possibilities are endless. While you're busy perusing your options, I want to share one way you can disrupt those winter blues with this simple Russian beet salad recipe!
Popular in Russia and Ukraine, this salad is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. It's great as a side dish, or add in some eggs or your other favorite protein, and you've made an entire meal. The traditional recipe uses white potatoes, but in my case I decided to use quinoa, a grain that's considered a complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids.
This recipe is easy because 1.) go look in your pantry- you probably already have all of the ingredients and 2.) it's just combining and mixing the ingredients until you've achieved the perfect balance of sweet and sour to fit your taste. Just make sure to chop up your ingredients very finely before mixing to create an even ratio of flavors in each bite. You don't want to wind up with a forkful of only onions or pickles. You can, of course, purchase all of these items fresh if you're lucky enough to be in a climate where farmers markets are open right now. (That time is almost here, NJ!)
Ingredients:
-Potatoes or quinoa
-Beets
-Sauerkraut
-Lentils (If you don't want to buy a bag to cook, some grocery stores have canned rice and lentils).
-Pickles
-Sauerkraut
-Onions
-Black pepper
-Mayo (optional)
-Chickpeas (optional)
-Enjoy as is or top with eggs, chicken breast, or other protein
Here's a little tip: Don't skimp on the beet juice! That's what creates the gorgeous hot pink color of the dish. I hope this recipe is something a little different for you that gets your eyes and belly excited for spring and summer, which, after you've learned your new skill and enjoyed this salad, will probably already be here.
