Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

Yesterday, I went on a run outside because I needed a break from sitting at...

Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

Yesterday, I went on a run outside because I needed a break from sitting at my desk all day and I wanted to take advantage of the 83 degree day.

I could barely make it the 2.6ish miles I ran – it was really hot, especially since my skin is still hot from tanning in Miami over the weekend.

All I could think of the whole time I was running was, “Summer’s coming!”

Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

On my run, I was running through a list of “summer goals” that I had. This summer, I’ll be someone’s wife, which is kind of mind-boggling for me. It’s only 1 month and 2 weeks away, but it feels like ages.

Thus, my half mile was spent thinking about how to be a great wife and partner. I picked up our wedding bands last night (well, mine still needed to be resized, but I picked up his) and Lu put his on and it was certainly a surreal moment to see him with a ring on THAT finger.

It’s happening, people. 6/20/15!

Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

Amongst those summer goals was waking up at least once a week to catch the sunrise. The sunrise is around 5:45am, which is earlier than I’d like to wake up in the morning, but I think the sight and serenity of the sunrise will put me a good place for the rest of that day/week.

While I was running, I was also checking out all the new spots that are sprouting up in my city (Jersey City) and made a mental note to spend more time here (I’m always rushing into New York, when there’s so much to offer here in my homebase.)

Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

Other goals included

  • Traveling more around the New York and New Jersey area and taking more road trips,
  • Doing more outdoor workouts in the park near our apartment and less gym workouts,
  • Going on long walks after dinner to help with digestion and to avoid the couch rut, and
  • Make a list of local outdoor concerts and music festivals and actually go to them.

Yes, I made all of those mental note goals while on the run (and it was less than 3 miles!)

Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

Now, this recipe fits into summer perfectly, because it can be made also using zucchini noodles – I almost made it with zucchini noodles, but there were some delicious looking fresh beets at the market and I couldn’t resist.

Obviously, the bacon makes this dish irresistible, but if you don’t eat meat or are cutting down on your fat and sodium intake, substitute with a lighter bacon (like turkey bacon – but check the sodium levels, some turkey bacon varieties are higher in sodium than regular bacon) or use baked chickpeas with liquid smoke (I like the Lazy Kettle brand.)

Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

The tomatoes burst with every bite and the beet noodles absorb the flavors from the bacon, making a sinfully delicious combination. And of course, who doesn’t love feta, especially when it’s softly melted?

What are your summer goals?

Nutritional Information & Recipe

Inspiralized

Beet Noodles with Tomatoes, Feta and Bacon

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients

  • 3-4 strips of bacon of choice
  • 1 large or 2 medium red beets, peeled, Blade C/D
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 large garlic clove finely minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley to garnish
  • 2-3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Once heated, add in the bacon strips and cook until crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
  • Remove about half of the bacon fat from the skillet and set the skillet aside for 1-2 minutes to cool down and then place back over heat. Add in the beet noodles and toss for 1 minute or until the noodles begin to wilt. Then, add in the tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper and cover and let cook for 5-7 minutes, uncovering occasionally to toss, or until beet noodles are wilted and cooked to al dente.
  • Once done, transfer the beet noodle mixture to a serving platter, crumble over with the bacon and garnish with parsley and feta. Serve immediately.

 

with love, Ali

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comments

  • I have tried to spiralize raw beets but it was VERY hard and it did not work for me. Do you steam them a bit to soften them first?
    • Nope - they are easy with the Inspiralizer! You can watch this video for tips on how to spiralize beets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH1fQJteeGw
  • I have had trouble with beets too. Last time I put them in the microwave for a few minutes just to soften them up a bit and they spiralized great.
  • This looks Fabulous!!! Thank you so much :)
  • Do I see walnut pieces in the photos? They would be good in this dish too.
    • Roger, I think it is bacon pieces...I looked twice at that too...
  • I have tried to roast the beets after I have spiralized them with a little oil on a cookie sheet @ 425 but that came out with a grinding crunch not sure if there is a better way like a tenderness to them thanks
  • Great recipe! I have not eaten beets much before now. I love my spiralizer!
  • Wow, delish! Quick and easy! Thank you!
  • I stirred in some torn beet tops a minute before the end for further colour and texture - so delicious and filling - love this site - love you!
  • Have made this several times. Love it! I like to use golden and lighter red beets, as not as messy. Also added walnuts and put on a bed of arugula with a sprinkle of white balsamic vinegar, making it a not salad. Thanks for this recipe, so good and easy!
  • Had this for breakfast with a soft boiled egg on the side. I added walnuts and turnip greens. So delicious!
    • That sounds like a fabulous and nutritious breakfast! Great job!
  • I thought I was going to love this recipe. But, alas, for some reason this particular combination of flavors did not end up appealing to my tastebuds. Maybe it was too much beet for someone who is not a huge beet lover - I'm not sure, but I think I was the only one in my family who actually finished his/her plate of food. Just wasn't good for our family's taste. However, I liked a lot of the ideas and am thinking of ways to incorporate them into different dishes.
    • Yes! Maybe try fewer beets or perhaps try another veggie next time that you know your family does enjoy! A lot of our recipes are very versatile!