Beet Salad with Creamy Basil Cheese

Portions:

Preparation:

20 minutes

Cooking:

15 seconds

Fresh, colorful, and light, this beet and creamy basil cheese salad is an elegant appetizer that showcases simple, refined flavors. The tender beets pair perfectly with the creamy basil-infused cheese, while the Quebec apples add a crispy slightly sweet touch. A salad that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients

10 fresh basil leaves
125 ml (1/2 cup) cottage cheese
45 ml (3 tbsp) creamy goat cheese, at room temperature
500 ml (2 cups) cooked red beets, diced (4 to 6 beets)
1 Cortland apple, diced
60 ml (1/4 cup) fresh curly parsley, chopped (and a little more for garnish)
15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh chives, finely chopped (and a little more for garnish)
15 ml (1 tbsp) white or apple cider balsamic vinegar
15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
15 ml (1 tbsp) maple syrup
30 ml (2 tbsp) coarsely chopped toasted pecans

Preparation

In a small pot of boiling water, blanch the basil for 15 seconds. Immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water for a few seconds. Remove, then pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Using an electric mixer, blend the cottage cheese, goat cheese, and basil until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag or small plastic bag. Set aside in the refrigerator.
In a large bowl, combine the beets, apple, parsley, chives, vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup.
Spoon the beet salad into glasses or small bowls for serving.
Using a pastry bag, pipe on the basil cheese. If using a plastic bag, cut a small opening in one corner of the bag so you can squeeze out the mixture.
Garnish with pecans, parsley, and chives.

Tips and tricks

Choose a firm, slightly tart apple, such as a Cortland, Spartan, or Honeycrisp, to balance the sweetness of the beets and cheese.
Cut the apples just before serving, or sprinkle them with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature slightly before serving for a smoother texture.
To save time, use vacuum-sealed cooked beets. You can find them in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle at the grocery store.
Add a few roasted nuts or seeds for some crunchy to bring out the flavors.
Prepare the dressing ahead of time so that it’s smooth and flavorful when you’re ready to serve.

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