Pecan Free Roasted Beet, Quinoa, and Avocado Salad
Earthy roasted beets, fluffy quinoa, and creamy avocado come together in a salad that feels genuinely special without requiring much fuss. The beets get caramelized and tender at high heat, the quinoa cooks up light and nutty, and the whole thing is tied together with a bright lemon-honey dressing warmed by turmeric and ginger. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch that makes every bite interesting — no tree nuts needed anywhere in the bowl. The peppery bite of baby arugula plays beautifully against the richness of the avocado, keeping the flavors lively and balanced rather than heavy. This is the kind of salad that works as a hearty lunch on its own or as a stunning side at a dinner table. It's naturally free from the ingredients that can make salads with add-ins feel off-limits, relying instead on whole, straightforward foods that deliver big on flavor and texture.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the roasted beets
- 3 medium beets (about 1 lb total), peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
For the quinoa
- 1 cup dry 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
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced
- ⅓ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the beet cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt on a rimmed baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer. Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are caramelized and slightly darkened.
- 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 for 15 minutes, until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa's white germ rings are visible. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and spread on a plate to cool slightly.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!