Slow Cooker Beetroot, Cannellini Bean And Baby Spinach Salad

This easy and nutritious Slow Cooker Beetroot, Cannellini Bean, and Baby Spinach Salad is a vibrant and filling dish. Packed with tender beetroot, sweet carrots, and creamy goat’s cheese (optional), it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Customize it with your favorite cheese and enjoy the versatility of this wholesome salad.

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Recipe Ingredients

  • 600–700 g (1 lb 5 oz–1 lb 9 oz) small beetroot (beets) or 3 large beetroot
  • 1 bunch baby carrots, ends trimmed, scrubbed
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 red onion, cut into thin wedges
  • 2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 100 g (3½ oz) baby spinach leaves
  • 150 g (5½ oz) goat’s cheese or feta cheese (optional)

For the Balsamic Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to top up pan juices, if necessary
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

How To Make Slow Cooker Beetroot, Cannellini Bean And Baby Spinach Salad

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the beetroot and cut smaller ones in half and larger ones into wedges.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Place the beetroot, whole carrots, fennel seeds, olive oil, and onion into the slow cooker. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook on high for 2½ hours.
  3. Prepare the Salad: Transfer the beetroot and carrots to a serving dish. Carefully pour the pan juices into a small dish and allow to cool. Cool the vegetables for 15 minutes or until cold if serving the salad cold.
  4. Make the Dressing: Measure the pan juices and top up to 2 tablespoons with extra olive oil if necessary. Combine with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic vinegar, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Add the cannellini beans and spinach to the cooled vegetables and toss gently to combine. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and crumble over the cheese, if using.
  6. Serve: Serve the salad with crusty bread, if desired.

Recipe Tips

  • Cook the Vegetables Gently: Make sure to cook the beetroot and carrots on high for exactly 2½ hours in the slow cooker to get them tender but not overcooked.
  • Cool the Vegetables Before Serving: If you’re serving the salad cold, let the beetroot and carrots cool for about 15 minutes to avoid wilting the spinach.
  • Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh baby spinach leaves work best as they stay crisp and add a nice contrast to the warm vegetables.
  • Adjust the Dressing to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the balsamic vinegar.
  • Choose Your Cheese Wisely: For a creamier texture, go for goat’s cheese; for a firmer bite, feta cheese works wonderfully in this salad.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I Use Other Beans?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other white beans like great northern beans or navy beans for a similar texture.  

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a day before. Store the vegetables and dressing separately and toss together just before serving.  

Is This Salad Suitable for Vegans?

Yes, simply omit the goat’s cheese or feta and use a vegan-friendly cheese or skip it altogether for a delicious vegan version.  

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Yes, roasted sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even butternut squash make great additions to this salad for extra flavor and texture.  

How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?

To add a kick, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the salad before serving.

Check out More Recipes:

Slow Cooker Beetroot, Cannellini Bean And Baby Spinach Salad

Recipe by Shili MohamedCourse: Side Dish, SaladsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 

30

minutes
Calories

260

kcal

This easy and nutritious Slow Cooker Beetroot, Cannellini Bean, and Baby Spinach Salad is a vibrant and filling dish. Packed with tender beetroot, sweet carrots, and creamy goat’s cheese (optional), it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Customize it with your favorite cheese and enjoy the versatility of this wholesome salad.

Ingredients

  • 600–700 g (1 lb 5 oz–1 lb 9 oz) small beetroot (beets) or 3 large beetroot

  • 1 bunch baby carrots, ends trimmed, scrubbed

  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 red onion, cut into thin wedges

  • 2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

  • 100 g (3½ oz) baby spinach leaves

  • 150 g (5½ oz) goat’s cheese or feta cheese (optional)

  • For the Balsamic Dressing
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to top up pan juices, if necessary

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

  • Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the beetroot and cut smaller ones in half and larger ones into wedges.
  • Cook the Vegetables: Place the beetroot, whole carrots, fennel seeds, olive oil, and onion into the slow cooker. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook on high for 2½ hours.
  • Prepare the Salad: Transfer the beetroot and carrots to a serving dish. Carefully pour the pan juices into a small dish and allow to cool. Cool the vegetables for 15 minutes or until cold if serving the salad cold.
  • Make the Dressing: Measure the pan juices and top up to 2 tablespoons with extra olive oil if necessary. Combine with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic vinegar, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Assemble the Salad: Add the cannellini beans and spinach to the cooled vegetables and toss gently to combine. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and crumble over the cheese, if using.
  • Serve: Serve the salad with crusty bread, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per container


  • Amount Per ServingCalories260
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 12g 19%
    • Saturated Fat 2g 10%
  • Cholesterol 6mg 2%
  • Sodium 477mg 20%
  • Total Carbohydrate 32g 11%
    • Dietary Fiber 8g 32%
    • Sugars 5g
  • Protein 8g 16%

    * The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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