Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad (Print version)

Sweet roasted beets meet tangy goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh arugula with bright balsamic dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 medium beets, trimmed and scrubbed
02 - 5 oz baby arugula

→ Cheese & Nuts

03 - 4 oz creamy goat cheese, crumbled
04 - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1 teaspoon honey
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap beets individually in aluminum foil and roast on a baking sheet for 40 to 50 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let cool slightly, then peel and cut into wedges or cubes.
02 - Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Place arugula in a large salad bowl. Top with roasted beet pieces, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
05 - Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
06 - Serve immediately while the beets are still warm and the greens are crisp.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms humble beets into something that feels restaurant-worthy without any complicated techniques.
  • The contrast between peppery arugula, creamy cheese, and crunchy walnuts keeps every bite interesting.
  • You can roast the beets a day ahead and toss the salad together in minutes when you need it.
  • It works as a light main or an impressive side that pairs with nearly anything.
02 -
  • Don't skip wrapping the beets in foil, it steams them as they roast and makes peeling ridiculously easy.
  • Toss the salad just before serving or the arugula will wilt and the goat cheese will dissolve into the dressing.
  • If your beets are huge, cut them in half before wrapping so they roast evenly and don't take forever.
03 -
  • Wear gloves or rub your hands with a little oil before peeling beets to avoid staining your fingers.
  • Warm beets make the goat cheese slightly creamy and help the dressing cling better to the greens.
  • If your balsamic is very sharp, add an extra half teaspoon of honey to balance it out.
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