Description
3 medium beets, peeled and diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup candied pecans
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced beets with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the beets are tender and caramelized. Let them cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing until smooth.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted beets, goat cheese, candied pecans, and red onion.
Drizzle with the dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 280 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Beets: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice 3 medium beets into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
2. Season & Roast: In a bowl, toss the beets with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and glazed. Let cool for 10 minutes.
3. Make the Dressing: While beets roast, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, layer 4 cups of mixed greens. Top with the slightly cooled beets, ½ cup crumbled goat cheese, ⅓ cup candied pecans, and ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion.
5. Dress & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without crushing the beets.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant salad is versatile. Serve it as a stunning standalone lunch or as a side dish. It pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken or salmon for added protein.
- A crusty baguette or warm focaccia to soak up the dressing.
- A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.
- For a heartier meal, add a scoop of quinoa or farro directly into the salad.
How-to Summary
Roast honey-balsamic beets at 400°F for 30 minutes. Whisk a simple vinaigrette of oil, balsamic, mustard, and honey. Combine fresh greens, roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, candied pecans, and red onion. Toss with dressing and serve immediately for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beets instead? Yes, but for best results, drain, pat dry, and briefly roast them with the glaze to intensify flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers? Store the undressed salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. The dressed salad will become soggy.
What can I substitute for goat cheese? Feta or blue cheese offer a similar tangy contrast. For a dairy-free option, use creamy avocado.
Can I make the beets ahead of time? Absolutely. Roast the beets up to 3 days in advance and store them chilled. Bring to room temperature before assembling the salad.
My dressing is too tart. How can I fix it? Balance the acidity by whisking in an extra ½ teaspoon of honey or a pinch of sugar until the flavor mellows.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Spread beets in a single layer to ensure they roast and caramelize instead of steaming.
- Dressing the Salad Too Early: Adding dressing just before serving prevents wilting.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Adding hot beets will wilt the delicate greens and melt the cheese.
- Uneven Beet Pieces: Dicing beets uniformly is crucial for consistent roasting.
Conclusion
This Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese is a celebration of textures and flavors, combining earthy, sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements. Its straightforward preparation yields an impressive dish suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Mastering the simple techniques of roasting and vinaigrette-making opens the door to endless culinary creativity. Enjoy this nutritious and visually stunning salad as your new go-to recipe.
