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Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad - Bright, Earthy, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Beets: 4 medium beets (red, golden, or a mix), scrubbed
  • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons, divided
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Mixed greens or arugula: 5–6 cups
  • Goat cheese: 4 ounces, crumbled (soft chèvre)
  • Nuts: 1/3 cup toasted walnuts, pecans, or pistachios
  • Red onion or shallot: 1/4 small red onion or 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • Fresh herbs (optional but great): a small handful of parsley, dill, or chives
  • Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 to 2 teaspoons
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup (for the dressing)

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Prep the beets: Trim the tops and roots. If the beets are large, cut them in half. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a covered baking dish.
  3. Roast until tender: Roast for 45–60 minutes, depending on size. They’re done when a knife slides in with little resistance. Let them cool until you can handle them.
  4. Slip off the skins: Use paper towels or gloves to rub off the skins. Cut the beets into wedges or 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
  5. Toast the nuts: While the beets roast, toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, shaking often. Cool and roughly chop.
  6. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, balsamic, Dijon, honey, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity.
  7. Prep the greens: In a large bowl, add the greens and sliced onion. Toss with a little dressing to lightly coat. You don’t want soggy greens.
  8. Assemble the salad: Arrange dressed greens on a platter. Add the roasted beets, then scatter goat cheese, toasted nuts, and herbs over the top.
  9. Finish and serve: Drizzle with more dressing to taste. Add a final sprinkle of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Serve right away while the beets are slightly warm or at room temperature.