I’ve been holding out on you.  Not because I’ve wanted to, in fact I knew as soon as I made this salad that I would be sharing it with you as soon as possible.  I was just hoping to get some additional photographs for the presentation because it is such a beautiful salad and so absolutely delicious.  Even though it is incredibly simple (or maybe because it is incredibly simple?) it deserves fanfare.  And a lot of photos.  The task shouldn’t have been so difficult - I make this dish all the time.  But each time since the first I’ve either been in a rush, or made it at a friend’s house without my camera present (gasp!) or its been too late and too dark to shoot anything decent.  So, I’ve caved and am giving it to you now, just a few photos short. One of my favorite restaurants in Charlottesville is Bizou.  The atmosphere is dark and quirky - perfectly cozy on a blustery winter day or a welcome retreat from the blinding summer sun.  They have a great daily menu and a variety of specials that never disappoint, along with a nice selection of wine.  Every single dish I’ve tried has been very good, but I am always disappointed if I don’t get my tried and true favorite - Golden Beet Salad.  So simple, such a perfect combination of flavors, so so so delicious. A couple of months ago I was at the grocery store and noticed that they had golden beets.  I rarely see them so jumped at the opportunity to replicate my favorite salad.  And I’ve jumped each time I’ve seen the sunny globes in the produce department since, because you just don’t know when they’ll be present again.  My salad isn’t exactly like Bizou’s, but its close.  I haven't given quantities of anything because its not necessary to be that precise.  Just keep tossing ingredients together until you've got a good variety of textures and colors in your bowl.  The picture above is missing walnuts, a key ingredient and one not to leave out.  I did on this one occasion because we were sharing it with a friend who is allergic, but it is definitely best with them.  The honey mustard dressing is an Alton Brown recipe that is delicious as it is and I’ve never taken the time to play with it.  However, Bizou’s dressing had mustard seeds and I love the crunch they provide - its worth experimenting with.  Also, buy good quality chevre to crumble on top.  You won’t be sorry. Golden Beet Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Salad:

• golden beets, peeled, chopped and roasted with 1 tbsp olive oil for 25 minutes at 425*.
• grape tomatoes, halved
• cucumber, sliced thinly
• red cabbage, sliced thinly
• spinach or a mesclun mix
• chevre, crumbled
• walnuts, chopped and toasted at 425* until fragrant, 8-10 minutes

Dressing:

• 5 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

Method:

1. Roast beets.  Toast walnuts
2. Toss spinach, tomatoes, cucumber and cabbage together.
3. Sprinkle chevre and toasted walnuts on top.
4. Whisk dressing ingredients together and drizzle over salad.