This Spring Salad With Quick Pickled Rhubarb Recipe Is Super Refreshing

QUICK-PICKLED RHUBARB SALAD

Steps:

• Pack rhubarb into jar. Bring vinegar, sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, and 3/4 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar and salt. Pour into jar. Cover and chill until cold, at least 1 hour.
• Toss fennel, celery, 1 cup drained pickled rhubarb, and 2 Tbsp. pickling liquid in a large bowl to combine; season with salt.
• Arrange salad on a platter; drizzle with oil and grind some pepper over. Top with celery leaves and remaining drained pickled rhubarb.
• Do Ahead
• Rhubarb can be pickled 1 week ahead. Keep chilled.

PICKLED RHUBARB

Steps:

• Remove rhubarb peel in alternating 1/2-inch strips (creating stripes). Cut rhubarb into 4-by-3/4-inch pieces (if thick, halve or quarter lengthwise, then cut into 4-inch pieces).
• In a saucepan, bring vinegar, sugar, 1/3 cup water, salt, peppercorns, and star anise to a boil. Fill a heatproof quart jar with rhubarb and garlic. Pour boiling liquid in to cover. Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours and up to 1 month.

GREEN SALAD WITH ROASTED BEETS AND PICKLED RHUBARB

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub beets, then place on a piece of parchment-lined foil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Wrap in foil and roast until fork-tender, about 1 hour. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Rub off skins and discard. Halve beets and cut into 1/2-inch wedges (you should have 1 1/2 cups).
• Whisk pickling liquid into mustard, then gradually whisk in remaining 4 tablespoons oil and dill; season to taste. Toss lettuce, beets, and pickled rhubarb with 2 to 3 tablespoons dressing; season to taste. Serve, sprinkled with more herbs and drizzled with more dressing.