Description
A vibrant and flavorful Beet Salad featuring roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, toasted nuts, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant side dish, this salad combines earthy, sweet, and savory flavors with a fresh herb garnish for a delightful balance of taste and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 medium beets, roasted and sliced or cubed
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 2 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the Beets: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Allow to cool, then peel and slice or cube the beets. Alternatively, use pre-cooked or canned beets for a quicker preparation.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl. Top with the roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts or pecans, and thinly sliced red onion evenly over the greens.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the assembled salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley over the salad for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and textures at their best.
Notes
- Beets can be roasted ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days to save preparation time.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans.
- Adjust the honey quantity according to your sweetness preference or substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Using fresh herbs enhances the flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Make sure to toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the greens and cheese.
