Mediterranean Beet Salad

BEETS: The brightest of the vegetable rainbow

This easy salad tastes even better a day or two after it's made and the flavors have had a chance to bend.

The nutritional benefits of beets are extraordinary, especially from B vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in the bulb. They are also packed with nitrates which help to lower blood pressure and antioxidants which protect your cells from damage and may lower the risk of heart disease.

Ingredients:

• 5 medium red beets, cooked and peeled. See cooking methods HERE

• 2 teaspoons orange zest (from 1 orange)

• ½ cup fresh orange juice (from 2 oranges)

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ small red onion, halved and cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

• ¼ cup packed fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving

• ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for serving

Instructions:

1. Slice cooled beets into 1 inch cubes.

2. In a large bowl combine the orange zest, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, and kosher salt. 

3. Add the beets, onion, mint, and cilantro, to the bowl and toss until the beets are evenly coated. 

4. Garnish with more mint and cilantro.

Recipe Credit: the themodernproper.com.