Baby Beets and Herbs Salad

- Amanda

Isn't it time to take a break from roasted beets with goat cheese? I thought so. This past weekend, I tossed beets, still warm, with sherry vinegar, Dijon and olive oil. The vinegar makes their sweetness sing; the mustard gives them grit. And a spray of chopped herbs -- basil, tarragon, chives and mint -- beckons the doubters.

Baby Beets and Herbs Salad

Serves 4 to 6

• 1 1/2 pounds baby beets (weighed after trimming)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
  
• 2 teaspoons each chopped basil, tarragon, chives and mint
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 
  

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Lay a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Scrub the beets and lay them on one end of the foil. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt. Fold the foil over the beets to make a packet and roll the edges to seal. Bake until the beets are tender, about 30 minutes. Let sit on the baking sheet until warm but not hot.

2. While the beets are still warm, peel them (I find that pressing against the sides of the beets with your thumb loosens the skins) and slice into 1/2-inch wedges. Add the wedges to a serving bowl as you go.

3. Whisk together the mustard, vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, until the dressing is emulsified. (You can also just throw everything into a jar, screw on the lid tightly and shake until emulsified.)

4. Pour about half the dressing over the beets. Sprinkle in the herbs. Season generously with pepper. Toss well, then taste and adjust seasoning, adding more dressing or salt as needed. Let sit for at least 20 minutes before serving.