This gorgeous and healthy summer vegetable salad is loaded with pretty produce, including golden beets, avocado, corn, microgreens and radishes. Chickpeas and edamame add substance, and an herb-filled buttermilk-avocado dressing makes this salad really special. Serve it on its own for a light vegetarian meal or add grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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3 small golden beets (10 ounces total), peeled and trimmed
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2 small ripe avocados (6 ounces each)
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1 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as tarragon, dill, parsley, chives and/or cilantro)
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½ cup plus 2 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk
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2 tablespoons water
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1 small garlic clove
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2 tablespoons plus 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided
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¾ teaspoon salt, divided
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8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
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1 (15.5 ounce) can no-salt-added chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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1 cup lightly packed microgreens (such as pea shoots)
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1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears)
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1 cup frozen edamame, thawed
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1 small watermelon radish, halved and thinly sliced on a mandoline (about 1/4 cup)
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Description
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Wrap beets together in 1 sheet of microwavable parchment paper. Microwave on High until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut each beet into 8 wedges.
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Meanwhile, cut 1 avocado into 12 wedges. Chop the remaining avocado.
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Combine herbs, buttermilk, water, garlic, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender. Puree until smooth, about 10 seconds, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Add the chopped avocado; process on medium speed until blended and smooth, about 30 seconds, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.
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Arrange romaine on a large platter. Top with chickpeas, microgreens, corn, edamame, radish slices, beet wedges and avocado wedges. Drizzle with oil and the remaining 2 teaspoons lemon juice; sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spoon the buttermilk dressing over the salad.
