Description
This Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic is a colorful and flavorful dish that blends earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, crisp apples, and peppery arugula. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, it’s the perfect side dish for fall or winter meals, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 to 5 medium beets (red, golden, or a mix)
- 2 cups salad greens (arugula or spring mix)
- 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- ½ shallot, thinly sliced
- ½ cup soft goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Roast the Beets:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place each beet on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap the beets in foil and roast for 35 to 60 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Let the beets cool, then peel the skins off under running water and slice into 1-inch wedges.
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted beet slices, salad greens, apple slices, and shallot slices.
- Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
-
Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts over the top.
-
Serve:
- Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap goat cheese for feta or blue cheese.
- Nuts: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a unique twist.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Herbs: Add fresh basil or mint for extra flavor.
- Dressing Swap: Replace balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar for a sharper taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
