| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 203 | 16g | 5g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 7g | 0.25g |
As the days grow colder, the palette longs for something vibrant, fresh and comforting – a symphony of flavors that brings together the earthy goodness of nature with a punch of indulgence. Enter one of my favorite salads that seamlessly does all this and more – The Beet and Goat Cheese Salad. Made with simple, nourishing ingredients, this dish is not just visually stunning but packs quite a punch in the health department too!
Harmony of Flavors
The Beet and Goat Cheese Salad has a delightful balance of flavors that sets it apart. The beets bring a sweet earthiness, while the goat cheese provides a creamy tang, and the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. All this is brought together by a bright lemony vinaigrette that hints at my Pacific Northwest roots and a generous drizzle of balsamic that lends a comforting warmth reminiscent of traditional Japanese cuisine.
A Fountain of Health
Beyond just the delightful flavors, this salad is a powerhouse of <+a href="https://www.eatthis.com/benefits-of-beets/">nutrition+ too! Beets are high in vitamins and minerals and excellent for boosting stamina, while goat cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. Plus, walnuts come armed with heart-healthy fats. In combination, they make a salad that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
This salad bears similarity with <+a href="https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/arugula-salad-beets-and-goat-cheese">Arugula Salad with Beets and Goat Cheese+ and pairs wonderfully with <+a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16641/red-lentil-curry/">Red Lentil Curry+ and <+a href="https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/roasted-chicken-thighs-with-fennel-and-lemon">Roasted Chicken Thighs with Fennel and Lemon+ for a complete and balanced meal.
With its beautiful hues, tantalizing taste, and nourishing benefits, the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of my harmonious dual heritage, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium sized beets
- 1/2 cup of goat cheese
- 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped
- 6 cups of mixed greens
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Take the 3 medium sized beets and wrap them loosely in aluminum foil. Place on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for around 1 hour, or until the beets are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Step Two
While the beets are cooling, start preparing the salad dressing. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste, and whisk until well combined.
Step Three
Once the beets are cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to rub off their skin. Cut the beets into slices or wedges, according to your preference.
Step Four
In a large salad bowl, add the 6 cups of mixed greens. Scatter the sliced or wedged beets over the greens. Crumble the 1/2 cup of goat cheese over the salad, and then sprinkle the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts on top.
Step Five
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, and then gently toss until all the ingredients are combined and coated in the dressing. Serve the salad immediately, or keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
