Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad (Print Version)

A vibrant salad with roasted beets, goat cheese, pecans, and tangy dressing for a light, flavorful option.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium beets, scrubbed and trimmed
02 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale)

→ Cheese & Nuts

03 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled
04 - 1/2 cup pecan halves

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tsp honey
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place on baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes until tender when pierced with knife. Allow to cool slightly, then peel and cut into wedges.
02 - While beets roast, toast pecan halves in dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in small bowl until emulsified.
04 - Arrange salad greens on large platter or individual plates. Top with roasted beet slices, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with dressing immediately before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The earthy sweetness of roasted beets creates this incredible contrast with creamy tangy goat cheese that just works
  • Its the kind of salad that converts beet skeptics because roasting transforms them completely
  • You can make everything ahead and just assemble when ready which saves your sanity
02 -
  • Warm beets wilt greens fast so let them cool to at least room temperature before plating
  • The dressing can separate if made too far ahead give it a good whisk right before serving
  • Goat cheese crumbles better when cold but tastes better at room temperature so crumble cold then let sit
03 -
  • Wear gloves when peeling warm beets if you care about your hands staying pink for days
  • Use the smallest beets you can find they tend to be sweeter and more tender
  • Let the roasted beets marinate in some of the dressing for even more flavor

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