Nightshade Free Roasted Beet and Quinoa Salad with Turmeric Citrus Dressing
Earthy roasted beets, fluffy quinoa, peppery arugula, and crunchy walnuts come together in a bowl that feels genuinely satisfying rather than like a compromise. The real star is the turmeric citrus dressing — a bright, golden blend of lemon juice, honey, ginger, and black pepper that ties every element together with warmth and a little zing. Avoiding nightshades can make salads feel repetitive fast, since so many dressings and flavor-builders lean on tomatoes or peppers for acidity and depth — but fresh lemon juice and turmeric do that heavy lifting here beautifully. Every single ingredient in this recipe is naturally free of tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and their relatives, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out. The beets are foil-roasted until tender and then cubed, which gives them a slightly caramelized, almost sweet quality that plays perfectly against the bitter arugula. It's the kind of dish that holds up well in the fridge too, making it a smart option for meal prep when the flavors only get better overnight.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the roasted beets
- 1 lb medium beets (about 3–4 beets), scrubbed
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
For the quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 3 cups baby arugula
- ½ cup dry-roasted walnuts, roughly chopped
For serving
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
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. Roast until a paring knife slides through the center with no resistance, 40–50 minutes depending on size.
- 2
While the beets roast, combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa's white germ rings are visible, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and spread onto a large plate or baking sheet to cool.
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