This is, by far, one of our all time favorite salads. Salads in the fall and winter can be tricky but this one thrives during that time of year by being seasonally delicious, filling, easy to make, leftover friendly (if you have any!), and rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds to keep your skin glowing and strong.
Why Your Skin Will Love This Salad
We'll be honest. Nearly every ingredient in this salad is great for skin health. For example, pomegranate, known to the Ancient Greeks as a symbol of fertility and beauty, is rich in ellagic acid (among many other beautifying compounds) which has been shown to fight skin wrinkling from UV damage. It's almost as if nature knows what we need after a sun-kissed summer...
These ingredients can help:
Protect Against Collagen-Destroying Enzymes
One of the biggest reasons for premature aging in the skin is the destruction of collagen. One of the ways this collagen is destroyed is via an enzyme known as collagenase. This salad features cilantro, a wonderful herb rich in a special antioxidant called apigenin. Studies have shown that apigenin has the ability to "turn off" these enzymes thus preventing collagen destruction and the premature skin aging that comes with that.
Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels
If you've taken our free Beauty Plate course (highly recommended if you're interested in learning to eat for beauty and vitality) you understand the importance of maintaining stable blood sugar levels to protect your skin's collagen.
Studies have shown that consuming vinegar prior to a carbohydrate rich meal results in lower blood sugar spikes after the meal. This means more stable energy levels, less collagen destruction, and more youthful skin.
This vinaigrette is as functional as it is flavorful.
Fight "Skinflammation", Hydrate, and Strengthen Skin
Beets are excellent for increasing nitric oxide in the blood, a vital molecule which helps widen blood vessels, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach skin cells. Nitric oxide also has an anti-inflammatory effect which can help soothe conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
For all skin types, less inflammation means a stronger skin barrier, the essential outer barrier of our skin which keeps pollutants out and hydration in.
Finally, nitric oxide increases helps increase skin cell turnover, aka desquamation, leading to smoother and brighter skin.
Recipe: Pomegranate Beet Salad with Vinaigrette
We hope you love this one as much as we do!
Ingredients
1.5-2 lbs red or golden beets, cooked, peeled and cubed (I prepare by boiling ahead of time)
1/2 cup feta (or goat cheese)
1/2 cup pine nuts (or pistachios, walnuts)
1/2 cup or more of finely chopped red onion
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
arils (seeds) from one pomegranate
For the Dressing:
juice and zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme, optional (or any fresh herb, really)
2-3 tbsp red wine vinegar (or ACV)
salt & pepper to taste
1tsp cumin
Instructions
Mix dressing ingredients together. Assemble your salad and drizzle on your homemade vinaigrette. If preparing ahead of time or storing left-overs, the beets, onion, and pomegranate can be stored together. I recommend keeping the other ingredients separate, as they tend to become soggy. However, I rarely have any left over, it seems!