Ingredients:
For the Salad:
3 medium-sized beets, peeled and diced
2 apples (crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
4-6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, or mixed baby greens)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (we have dairy-free feta that is delicious)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

For the Maple-Dijon Dressing:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Roast the Beets:
Preheat your oven to 400°F
Place the diced beets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the beets are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through cooking. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted beets, sliced apples, sliced red onion, and mixed salad greens.
If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
Drizzle the maple-Dijon dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. You can start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.
Toast the Nuts:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts or pecans for a few minutes until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Remove from heat and let them cool.
Final Touches:
Sprinkle the toasted nuts over the salad just before serving.
Serve the salad immediately as a main course or as a side dish with your favorite bread or grain.
This salad combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the crunch of apples, and the creaminess of feta cheese, all brought together by a flavorful maple-Dijon dressing. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and a touch of richness.
All the ingredients can be found at Edge of the Woods. Enjoy this refreshing and wholesome meal that celebrates the flavors of September!