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Beet and Pear Napoleons with Ginger Juice Vinaigrette

This sophisticated vegan starter brings a touch of fine dining to your home kitchen with its vibrant colours and clean, crisp flavours. These beetroot and pear napoleons offer a refined balance of earthy roasted beets and sweet, firm pears, all brought together by a zesty ginger and orange vinaigrette. The addition of spicy baby greens and tarragon provides a refreshing herbal lift, making this an ideal opening course for a special dinner party or a seasonal celebration.

Precision is key to this plant-based dish, using a biscuit cutter to create uniform rounds for a professional, tiered presentation. By dressing the beetroot and pears separately, you ensure each layer remains distinct and visually striking. Light, healthy, and naturally gluten-free, this elegant salad is a wonderful way to showcase humble seasonal produce in a modern, creative way.

Poursuivre la lecture ci-dessous

Ingredients for Beet and Pear Napoleons with Ginger Juice Vinaigrette

  • 2 trimmed medium red beets (about 3 1/2 inches in diameter

  • about 800g), scrubbed

  • 1 (4-inch) piece peeled ginger

  • 80ml fresh orange juice

  • 1/4 teaspoons sugar

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 large firm-ripe Anjou pears

  • 1 bunch tarragon

  • 1 cup mixed baby greens (preferably spicy)

  • 1 Granny Smith apple

  • Equipment: a 1-inch round biscuit cutter

  • Garnish: sea salt such as Maldon

  • poppy seeds

How to make Beet and Pear Napoleons with Ginger Juice Vinaigrette

Preheat oven to 232°C with rack in middle.

Wrap beets in foil and roast until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Let stand until cool enough to handle, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, finely grate ginger with a Microplane over a kitchen-towel-lined bowl. Carefully gather towel around ginger and squeeze until you have 2 tablespoons ginger juice. Whisk in orange juice, sugar, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Divide vinaigrette evenly between 2 small bowls.

Cut pears lengthwise around core into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut out 18 rounds from slices using biscuit cutter and put in one bowl of vinaigrette.

Cut out 18 rounds from beet slices and put in other bowl. Toss pears and beets with vinaigrette to coat well.

To assemble napoleons, put 1 beet round on each of 6 plates (see cooks' note, below) and top with a tarragon leaf. Top with 1 pear round, then another tarragon leaf. Repeat layering 2 more times. Discard vinaigrette used for beets.

Toss greens with some of remaining vinaigrette and place around each napoleon. Finely grate apple (including skin) into a bowl. Spoon a heaping teaspoon apple on top of each napoleon, then sprinkle with sea salt and poppy seeds. Drizzle with more vinaigrette if desired.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 16 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
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