Farmer's Market Beet Salad

Rhone Ranger Anita Sahi of Copia Vineyards and Winery recently shared this tasty farmer's market salad - enjoy!

"Recently, Sarah, our hospitality manager ventured out to Templeton, where our prized local farmer’s market takes place every week. There was something so comforting about knowing that, while we are all sheltering in place during the corona virus outbreak, that we still have access to fresh and healthy produce. What’s more is that we can support our local farmers during this time when industry has all but halted. Sarah picked us up some delicious red and golden beets. I went to work immediately on a refreshing, crunchy salad that would end up being an accompaniment to a roasted sockeye salmon." Anita Sahi

BEET SALAD

3 cups Red and/or Golden Beets (julienned or shredded)

1 Shallot (sliced) or 1/2 Red Onion (finely minced)

1/2 cup Walnuts (dry-roasted and chopped)

Zest of 1 Orange

2 tsp Grainy or Smooth Dijon Mustard

1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 T Sherry or White Balsamic Vinegar

1 T Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)

2-3 oz Crumbled Goat Cheese

To taste, Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

To taste, Dill or Parsley (minced)

Preparation:
1. Trim the beets and reserve cleaned beet greens for another dish.
2. Peel the beets and cut along with shallots on the julienne blade of a mandolin or grate them using a handheld box or handle grater. You can also use the finely minced red onion in place of the shallots.
3.  In a small dry sauté pan, dry roast the walnuts over medium heat for a couple of minutes, taking care to move the pan around to toss. Toast until fragrant and set aside to cool. Chop after a few minutes.
4.  Place the beets, onions, walnuts and orange zest in a mixing bowl. Add oil, vinegar, orange juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

5. Plate your salad in a large bowl (or individual bowls) and top with crumbled goat cheese and dill, parsley or herbs of your choice. Serve and enjoy!

Pairing suggestion: 2018 Copia White (50% Viognier/50% Grenache Blanc) or the 2017 Copia "The Story" (83% Grenache/17% Syrah).