Celebrate the autumn season in Colorado with a root vegetable salad featuring local produce. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) highlights beets and carrots as the main ingredients in its October Colorado Proud Recipe of the Month, reflecting the colors seen in the state’s changing landscapes.
The recipe brings together red, golden, and candy-striped beets with Colorado-grown carrots. These vegetables are paired with goat cheese from Haystack Mountain dairy, arugula, and a balsamic vinaigrette. According to CDA staff, “Every bite is Colorado on a fork: fresh, bold, seasonal, and rooted in local pride.”
To help residents source local ingredients, the CDA encourages use of its Farm Fresh Directory, which lists farmers markets and is available in both English and Spanish. The directory supports consumers in connecting with Colorado producers.
For those interested in wine pairings, the CDA recommends serving the salad with Governor’s Cup #1 Rated 2024 Colorado Red from OBC Wine Project. This wine is described as complementing the sweetness of root vegetables and matching their earthy flavors. As an alternative for non-alcoholic beverages, Strongwater Sparkling Apéritif—made with Rocky Mountain water and citrus—is suggested.
Additional recipes and resources can be found at ColoradoProud.com.
