When the summer heat hits, sometimes a light and refreshing salad is all you need. This Beet and Goat Cheese Salad has become a go-to in our house, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. The earthy beets, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts create a wonderful balance of flavors and textures—it’s a BEET and GOAT CHEESE SALAD masterpiece!
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep work, you can have a vibrant and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Plus, the roasted beets can be made ahead of time, making this salad even more convenient for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love It
This Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is more than just a simple salad—it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
- Flavorful and Fresh: The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or add protein for a more substantial meal.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the beets and greens make this salad a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This vibrant Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is a delightful mix of earthy beets, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side. Roasted beets add a touch of sweetness, complemented by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim beets, leaving about an inch of stem intact. Wrap each beet individually in foil and roast for about an hour, or until tender.
- Once cool, peel and slice beets. Arrange greens on a platter. Top with beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over salad. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
Roasting beets intensifies their sweetness. For a smoky flavor, try grilling them. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked beets are a great alternative. Add a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roast
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
This Beet and Goat Cheese Salad comes together with just a few simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and flavorful salad:
- 3 medium beets: Roasting the beets enhances their natural sweetness and earthy flavor, creating a beautiful base for the salad.
- 4 cups mixed greens: Choose your favorite blend of greens—baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix all work well.
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese: This tangy and creamy cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the beets.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: These add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: A tangy and slightly sweet vinegar that adds depth of flavor to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A good quality olive oil provides a rich and fruity base for the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These essential seasonings enhance all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, leaving about an inch of stem intact. Wrap each beet individually in foil and roast for about an hour, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel and slice them. Arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter. Top with the sliced beets, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the beets with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- If you don’t have walnuts on hand, pecans, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds can be substituted. For more great salad recipes, take a look at our Dinner options.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of goat cheese. A honey goat cheese or a herbed goat cheese can add unique and delicious flavor profiles.
Recipe Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add segments of orange or grapefruit for a burst of citrusy flavor. Check out our delicious Desserts if you’re looking for something sweet.
- Candied Walnuts: For a touch of sweetness and extra crunch, use candied walnuts instead of plain.
- Arugula & Balsamic Glaze: Substitute the mixed greens with peppery arugula and drizzle with a thick balsamic glaze for a more intense flavor combination.
Why should I roast the beets instead of boiling them?
Roasting beets intensifies their sweetness and brings out their earthy flavor. It also softens their texture, making them ideal for salads.
Can I use different nuts besides walnuts?
Absolutely! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds would add a lovely crunch. You could also try pistachios for a unique flavor twist.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
While goat cheese adds a wonderful tangy creaminess, you can substitute it with feta cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or even a plant-based ricotta for a vegan option.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
This salad is best served immediately after preparing to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures. However, you can store leftover roasted beets separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Beet and Goat Cheese Salad can be served as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. To make it a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. Looking for other lunch ideas? We have a great collection of Lunch Recipes you can try. Enjoy!
That’s a Wrap
This Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is a delightful mix of earthy sweetness and tangy freshness—a true symphony of flavors! It’s perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a vibrant addition to your next gathering. Until next time, happy cooking!
For more tasty salad ideas, check out our collection of Lunch Recipes. Connect with us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for daily recipe inspiration!
