Looking for a refreshing and delicious salad? Let me introduce you to this Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese. This recipe contains the earthy sweetness of oven-roasted beets paired with creamy, tangy goat cheese and a homemade vinaigrette, with different textures and flavors that create a dish that's not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty.
Ever wondered how you can whip up a gourmet salad in your very own kitchen? Well, I've got just the thing for you. Say hello to the Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese - your answer to a quick, delicious, and oh-so-sophisticated meal!
Imagine this: oven-roasted beets, their natural sugars caramelized to perfection, paired with the creamy tang of goat cheese and a homemade vinaigrette that's as simple as it is flavorful. It's a symphony of textures and tastes, a vibrant dance of earthy sweetness and tart creaminess that will make your tastebuds sing!
And the best part? This isn't some fancy restaurant dish that takes hours to prepare.
Nope, this Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese comes together with just a bit of hands-on time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something special. So, grab your aprons, my friends! (Because beets are messy!)
Ingredients
- Beets: We're using two bunches of beets in this salad. Be sure to wash and trim them before roasting. They add a beautiful color and an earthy, sweet flavor to the dish.
- Cooked Quinoa: This super seed adds a delightful texture and is a great source of protein. Feel free to use any other grain you prefer, like couscous or farro.
- Arugula and Watercress (or Spinach): These greens add a peppery bite and a good amount of freshness to balance out the sweetness of the beets. You can always substitute with other leafy greens like kale or mixed salad greens.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion lends a slightly spicy flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients. Shallots are a good alternative if you want something milder.
- Goat Cheese: This cheese has a distinct tangy flavor and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the earthy beets. Feta or blue cheese could also work here.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds would also be great!
- Poppy Seed Dressing: A delightful mix of apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, poppy seeds, maple syrup, and sea salt. This dressing is tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet. If you're not into making homemade dressings, your favorite store-bought vinaigrette would work too.
Peeling Beets
Ever wonder how to peel beets?
I still haven't figured out how to peel them without making my kitchen look like a crime scene, but I read in a magazine to use the abrasive side of a paper towel to get the skins off after roasting, and that seems to work well.
Tips and Tricks
- Beet Selection: When picking out your beets at the market, look for firm, smooth bulbs and fresh leaves. The smaller ones are sweeter!
- Roasting Beets: Wrap your beets in foil to roast them. This helps to steam and soften them, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Dressing Prep: Don't rush your dressing. Allowing it to refrigerate for a bit before serving gives the flavors time to meld together.
- Goat Cheese Choice: For a creamier texture and mild flavor, opt for French goat cheese, or 'chèvre'.
- Salad Assembly: Layer your salad components instead of mixing them all together. This way, you can taste each element distinctly, and it also makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Nutty Addition: Toasting the walnuts before adding them to your salad enhances their crunch and brings out their flavor. Just pop them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they're lightly browned and fragrant.
- Quinoa Cooking Tip: To add more flavor to your quinoa, cook it in vegetable broth instead of water. Trust me, it's a game changer!
More Recipes with Beets
- If you're a fan of the earthy flavors in our Roasted Beet Salad, you're going to adore the vibrant combination in our Kale Beet Salad.
- For a heartier meal that still packs in all the beet goodness, give our wholesome Beet Quinoa Salad a whirl.
- Add a citrusy twist to your beetroot experience with our refreshing and tangy Beet Orange Salad.
- Looking for a meat-free burger alternative? Our mouthwatering Beet Chickpea Burger will have even the most dedicated carnivores asking for seconds!
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of beets washed and trimmed
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 ½ cups arugula
- 1 ½ cups spinach or watercress
- ½ red onion sliced thin
- 4 oz goat cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons walnuts chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Trim and wash beets. Place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until tender. Cool; peel and thinly slice.
- Meanwhile, make the dressing by combining apple cider vinegar, olive oil, yogurt, garlic, poppy seeds, maple syrup and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Combine arugula and watercress and divide between serving dishes. Top with onion, beets, quinoa, goat cheese, and walnuts. Drizzle with poppy seed dressing.
Jeni Hawkins
I've never tried roasted beets before! I might have to try this salad - it looks delicious!
Jeanette
I have not had beets for a very long time. I know they are really good for you so now that I'm on a big health kick I think I need to try them again.
Melissa Chapman
I have never baked beets and I don't have a good feel for how they are supposed tocook and taste. I have had them but already cooked an cold in salads so this one sounds like a nice salad for this time of year.
Kathy
I love a good salad. I haven't had one like this yet. Sounds really good though!
Dawn Lopez
This salad looks so fresh and flavorful with the great colors! I love goat cheese and I bet the flavors all come together very well.
Marissa Zurfluh
Wow, this is one amazing salad combination! Looks absolutely perfect for lunch.
Shelby
What a pretty salad! I feel healthy just looking arbonne it.
Shelby
*at
Randi
That salad looks amazing! I love roasted beets and I just recently had them in a salad for the first time ... it's definitely a new favorite for me!
Chelley Martinka
Beet salad is my absolute favorite lunch! What a delicious version- I can't wait to try!
Claudia Krusch
I have been looking for some healthier recipes to try. This looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to give it a try on the weekend.
Cathi Crismon
Oh yes! You had me with the poppy seed dressing and my husband with the beets! I pinned your delicious recipe!
Amy Desrosiers
I love roasted beets so much!! Thy pair just so perfectly with goat cheese.
Lisa Joy Thompson
This salad is absolutely beautiful! I love all the colors and textures! I bet it tastes amazing too!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
I love salads! And I love the color combination of this one! Looks more enticing to eat!
Jessica Terry
Oh yummy! This salad looks really good. There is something special about the combination of Beets and Goat Cheese.
Deborah
This is a delicious salad, with extraordinary combinations of flavors, and my husband loved it. I admit I didn't have poppyseeds and went with a bottled poppyseed dressing. Next time...