A beet salad with goat cheese is a delightful and visually appealing dish that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the creamy tanginess of goat cheese. Here’s a simple recipe to make a beet salad with goat cheese:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized beets, preferably a mix of red and golden beets
- 4 oz (about 1/2 cup) crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 3 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, or mixed baby greens)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Roast the Beets:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the beets thoroughly and trim off the tops and roots.
- Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil, drizzling a little olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper before wrapping.
- Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until they can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the beets from the oven, let them cool slightly, then peel the skins off (they should come off easily). Dice or slice the beets as desired.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness and seasoning as needed.
- Toast the Walnuts:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Be sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning. Remove them from the heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Place the mixed salad greens in a large salad bowl or on individual serving plates.
- Arrange the roasted beet slices or diced beets on top of the greens.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts over the beets.
- Drizzle with Dressing:
- Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. You can use as much or as little as you like, depending on your preference.
- Serve: Serve the beet salad with goat cheese immediately as an appetizer or a light meal. It’s also excellent as a side dish.
This beet salad offers a beautiful combination of flavors and textures, making it a great addition to your menu, especially during the fall and winter months when beets are in season. Enjoy!