Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

3 large red beets
2/3 cup walnuts
2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ teaspoon garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon Splenda
5 oz. goat cheese
1 cup arugula, lightly packed

Instructions:

First make the candied walnuts by combining the walnuts and the Agave Nectar in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir the nuts until well coated then transfer them to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to cool.

Scrub the beets clean, leaving the peel on. Place the beets in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 45 minutes to an hour, just until beets are tender and skin is easily removed.

Remove the cooked beets from the pot, peel off the skin and slice into ¼" rounds (discard ends).

Next, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and Splenda until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Plate the sliced beets on a bed of arugula then drizzle with prepared dressing. Top with portions of goat cheese and candied walnuts.