Instructions: 8 SERVINGS DAIRY-FREE

This colorful salad is perfect for a special occasion because its not every day that you take the time to roast beets for a salad-yet they are so good.

The distinctive peppery flavor of arugula is balanced by the sweetness of beets and a delicate vinaigrette enriched with apple juice.

DOOR-TO-DOOR (for a potluck): You can do all the preparation up to 2 days before serving and refrigerate the various salad components separately. Store and transport the marinated beets in a plastic food storage container, the arugula in several large plastic food storage bags lined with paper towels or in a salad bowl, the nuts in a small plastic food storage bag and the extra dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Preheat oven to 400F. Line baking sheet with parchment or foil. Pierce beets with a skewer or fork. Place on prepared baking sheet and roast until tender when pierced with tip of sharp knife, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. Set aside to cool slightly. Keep oven on.

Spread nuts in small baking pan and bake until fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Let cool; chop coarsely if necessary. Trim, rinse and dry arugula, then tear into bite-size pieces.

Make dressing: In medium bowl, whisk together vinegar; mustard, juice concentrate, shallots, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil. Spoon half of dressing (about 1/3 cup) into small jar or bowl and set aside.

When beets are cool enough to handle, peel and cut each one into 8 or 12 wedges. Add to dressing in bowl and toss well to coat. (If desired, marinate beets, covered, in the refrigerator up to 2 days.)

To serve, in large salad bowl, toss arugula, marinated beets and reserved dressing. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and serve.

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