Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
This salad showcases the natural sweetness of roasted beets paired with creamy, tangy goat cheese and a zesty vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish truly irresistible. It’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Cutting board and knife
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs
Overview of Ingredients
- Beets – Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and earthy flavor.
- Mixed Greens – Arugula, baby spinach, or a spring mix work beautifully.
- Goat Cheese – Adds creaminess and tang to balance the sweetness of the beets.
- Nuts – Toasted walnuts or pecans provide crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness.
- Balsamic Vinegar & Honey – Key ingredients for a sweet-tangy dressing.
- Olive Oil – Adds richness to the dressing.
- Fresh Herbs – Optional but a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds a lovely aromatic touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the Beets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, then wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and cut into wedges or slices. - Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced red onion, roasted beet wedges, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. - Serve
Plate the salad and sprinkle with a few extra crumbles of goat cheese, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Prepping Beets: To avoid stained hands, use gloves while peeling the roasted beets.
- Make it Vegan: Swap goat cheese for vegan cheese or avocado slices, and replace honey with maple syrup.
- Add Protein: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas.
- Storage: Store leftover roasted beets separately from the greens to keep them from wilting.
What to Serve with This Salad
This roasted beet and goat cheese salad is perfect as a starter or side dish. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a cozy bowl of soup for a complete meal. It’s also a great choice for holiday dinners or a light, refreshing lunch on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked beets?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked beets to save time. Just skip the roasting step and proceed with the recipe. Freshly roasted beets will have more depth of flavor, though.
Q: How do I toast the nuts?
A: Place the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn them!
Q: Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, roast the beets and prepare the dressing in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Q: Can I use different types of greens?
A: Absolutely! Arugula, baby spinach, or even kale work well in this salad. Just choose greens that you enjoy.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, washed and trimmed
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes. Let cool, peel, and cut into wedges.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine greens, roasted beets, onion, goat cheese, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra goat cheese and nuts if desired.
Enjoy this Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad for a delicious, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Cutting board and knife
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets washed and trimmed
- 4 cups mixed greens arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes. Let cool, peel, and cut into wedges.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine greens, roasted beets, onion, goat cheese, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra goat cheese and nuts if desired.