Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad (Printable version)

Sweet roasted beets combine with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts, finished with balsamic vinaigrette.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium beets, trimmed and scrubbed
02 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

→ Dairy

03 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled

→ Nuts

04 - 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tsp honey
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet; roast for 35 to 40 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.
03 - Remove beets from oven and allow to cool until handleable, then peel skins by gently rubbing with a paper towel; slice or wedge beets.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
05 - Arrange mixed salad greens on a platter or individual plates; top with roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
06 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
07 - Serve immediately to preserve freshness and flavor.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The natural sweetness of roasted beets combined with tangy goat cheese creates a flavor combo that feels like a warm hug.
  • The crunchy walnuts add a perfect contrast, making every bite interesting and satisfying.
02 -
  • Peeling the beets while still warm makes the process surprisingly quick and mess-free.
  • Toasting walnuts before adding brings out a deeper flavor that transforms the salad from good to unforgettable.
03 -
  • Use foil to wrap each beet individually to ensure even roasting and easy cleanup.
  • The secret to the best dressing is whisking it slowly to emulsify olive oil and vinegar into a smooth blend that clings to every bite.