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Nothing Beats (Anita's) Beet Salad

I first met Anita in 1965. The Beatles were the rage, Lyndon Johnson was President and we were young and quickly assumed we would always be friends. The Beatles are now icons of a distant age, there have been a number of presidents since Mr. Johnson, we're not so young anymore, but we're still friends. I've had dinner at Anita's many times and often beets are on the menu. I've always skipped them, because I decided in some distant age that I don't like beets. But last Saturday night the bowl of beet salad looked good and I thought, "Why not just try it?" I didn't just like Anita's beet salad, but I had seconds. It was yummy and it turns out, beets are really good for you. Beets are so good for you (and me) that I wanted to share this delicious recipe. Anita was very gracious and happily provided it.

Norwegian Beet Salad (ready in 30 minutes and can be prepared the same day)

Ingredients:
1 raw beet
1 carrot
1 apple
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts -- may be toasted
1/2 cup shredded dried coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
2T lemon juice
1T minced ginger
1T Asian toasted sesame oil (or olive oil if you can't find sesame oil)
Chopped fresh parsley

Peel and shred beet, carrot and apple. Combine in bowl. Make dressing of lemon juice, ginger and sesame oil and add to the beet mixture. When ready to serve toss in nuts and coconut. Add salt to taste. (I don't think it needs any.)

To make this salad for eight to ten people I used 2 beets, 2 large carrots (my carrots were skinny so I used 6) and two hard apples. I didn't change the proportion of other ingredients and I might even suggest halving the dressing ingredients when you are making the salad for four. 

I peel the beets, carrots and apples and shred them in my food processor using the large-holed shredding disc. Try to find the toasted sesame oil...it definitely makes the dish and should be widely available. I use Eden Select toasted sesame oil...no need to refrigerate...and great in marinades. I use flaked, not shredded coconut, but either is fine. 

   Anita is on the left, her sister, Nancy and my dear, dear friend is in the center and Anita's daughter, Kara, is on the right. The picture is several years old, but one of the many happy photos of celebrations shared through the years. It was a beautiful May day in Indiana. We've spent a number of spring weekends at graduations and this is the first year in quite awhile without a graduation. 

If anyone else would like to share a recipe, please let me know. I know there are great cooks in Buttercupland. 

I want to thank you all for your prayers for Dot and Tim. So sadly Tim passed away this afternoon.  Our world is a sadder place this evening, but there is one more brightly shining star in the heavens. 

Sweet dreams and wishes for a sweet Saturday!  

8 comments

TARYTERRE said...

I'm not a fan of beets. But I must admit this salad sounds good. Lovely picture of your friends. So sorry to hear about Tim.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

This beet salad sounds so interesting. I imagine it is a colorful and pretty one too. I have hardly ever eaten beets but I would like to give this a try.

Sweet photo of your dear friends. Thanks for sharing the recipe :)

Dee @ A Deecoded Life said...

Thanks for sharing this recipe! I might give it a try someday.

Sad to hear about Tim. May he rest in peace.

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

Thank you for the recipe. It sounds so yummy!!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I love beets and usually eat the pickled kind, but I love them just about anyway you can fix them. I've never had beet salad but I'm sure this would quickly turn into a favorite for me. Sorry to hear about Tim. Hope your Saturday is a super one!

Theresa said...

I am not a fan of beets but my hubby is:) I will give this a try for him! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Nellie said...

Please accept my sympathies at the passing of Tim.

We love beets at our house, and this recipe sounds like one to try!

Have a good Saturday, Buttercup.

Lynda said...

I LOVE beets - - especially good pickled beets.
Friends of many years - - what a treasure.
Also sad to us when one departs - - leaves a hole in our heart.