Vinegar and mustard give the dressing in this salad an assertive flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the beets.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 6 first-course servings
Ingredients
For dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 large shallot, minced
1 tablespoon Sherry wine vinegar
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese
3 tablespoons whipping cream
For salad
6 medium beets, tops trimmed
3 hearts of romaine lettuce, quartered lengthwise, ends left intact
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 watercress bunch, thick stems trimmed
3/4 cup walnut halves, toasted
Preparation
Make dressing:
Step 1
Whisk first 5 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Fold in Roquefort cheese and cream. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Make salad:
Step 2
Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap beets tightly in foil. Bake until tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool beets; peel and cut each into wedges.
Step 3
Arrange 2 lettuce quarters crosswise on each of 6 large plates. Surround lettuce on each plate with beet wedges. Top with some onion slices and watercress sprigs. Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle with walnuts and serve.
