Beet, Rhubarb, and Orange Salad

Ingredients for Beet, Rhubarb, and Orange Salad

• 8 2- to 2 1/2-inch-diameter red or yellow beets, 4 of each colour if available

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• Coarse kosher salt

• 725ml water

• 120ml sugar

• 450g trimmed rhubarb stalks, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices

• 3 large oranges

• 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon minced shallot

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 3 cups watercress sprigs

• 1 1/4 cups coarsely crumbled feta cheese (about one 200g package)

• Fresh chervil leaves (optional)

Preheat oven to 204°C. Place beets on large sheet of foil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil; sprinkle with coarse salt. Wrap beets in foil. Roast beets until tender when pierced with fork, about 1 hour. Unwrap and cool beets. Peel, then cut each into 8 wedges.

Bring 725ml water, 120ml sugar, and pinch of coarse salt to simmer in large saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add rhubarb. Simmer over medium heat until just tender but still intact, 1 to 2 minutes (do not overcook or rhubarb will be mushy). Using slotted spoon, transfer rhubarb to platter and cool completely. DO AHEAD: Beets and rhubarb can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.

Finely grate enough peel from 1 orange to measure 1/2 teaspoons ; transfer to small bowl and reserve for dressing. Cut off peel and white pith from all oranges. Working over medium bowl to catch juice and using small sharp knife, cut between membranes to release orange segments into bowl; squeeze membranes to release juice into bowl. Transfer 2 tablespoons orange juice to bowl with orange peel. Whisk vinegar, lemon juice, shallot, honey, and remaining 45ml olive oil into bowl with orange peel and orange juice mixture. Season dressing with coarse salt and pepper.

Arrange watercress, beets, rhubarb, and orange segments on 6 plates. Sprinkle with feta and drizzle with dressing. Garnish with chervil leaves, if desired, and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.