Mixed Beet Salad a la 25 Degrees

If you go to 25 Degrees, you're probably going for one of their fantastic burgers (try the number 1, which has jalapeno bacon, arugula, blue cheese and thousand island dressing on it) or one of their spiked milkshakes (I'm fond of the salted caramel).  However, there ARE other things on their menu, and one of the sides that I have really enjoyed has been their mixed veggie salad.

When I find new ways

To enjoy a mixed salad

It is a good day

Fresh, with veggies that actually pack some nutrition, and the perfect side to share, I thought, if you don't mind the chopping, it might be worth making at home!

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado, cubed
• 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 Tbsp pine nuts
• 2 cups beets, steamed and cubed
• 1 can white beans, rinsed
• fresh grated paremesan cheese
• buttermilk vinaigrette (see below)

1.  The steaming of the beets is what takes the longest, but you can half the grapes and tomatoes while that is happening.  
2. Whisk together the ingredients for the buttermilk vinaigrette (see below) and combine.  Grate a bit of cheese over the top and Serve at room temperature. 

Buttermilk vinaigrette

• 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 Tbsp buttermilk
• 2 Tbsp orange juice
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Whisk together the above ingredients and pour over the mixed salad!

Mine isn't as pretty as the one at 25 degrees, and it is a little redder, since I could only find red beets and they use a combination of red and golden, but it WAS tasty: