BHA & BHT Free Cilantro-Lime Arugula and Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beets, peppery arugula, creamy avocado, and a bright cilantro-lime dressing come together in a salad that feels genuinely restaurant-worthy without much effort. Every component here is whole and fresh — real beets roasted in foil, limes squeezed by hand, cilantro chopped right before it hits the bowl — which means you're completely sidestepping the preservatives that sneak into bottled dressings and packaged salad kits. BHA and BHT are common in processed oils and pre-made condiments, so building your own dressing from extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, and spices is the cleanest way to keep this plate truly free of those additives. The cumin adds a subtle warmth that ties the earthy beets to the citrusy dressing in a way that feels intentional and layered. Dry-roasted pepitas scattered on top give you a satisfying crunch and a little nuttiness without any of the coatings or flavor enhancers that can hide unwanted ingredients. It's the kind of salad that converts people who think salads are boring — colorful, bold, and filling enough to stand on its own.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 3 medium beets (about 1 lb), scrubbed and trimmed
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for roasting
- ¼ tsp salt
- 5 oz baby arugula
- 1 large avocado, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup dry-roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place each beet on a square of aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Wrap each beet tightly in the foil and arrange on a baking sheet.
- 2
Roast the beets until a paring knife slides through the center with no resistance, 40–50 minutes depending on size. Unwrap and let cool for 10 minutes, then rub off the skins using the foil or a paper towel. Cut into 1/2-inch wedges.
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