Description
This Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Pistachios is a vibrant, nutritious dish perfect for any season. Featuring tender roasted beets, tangy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a zesty balsamic dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Greens
- 4 medium beets, trimmed and scrubbed
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare for roasting the beets.
- Roast the beets: Wrap each beet individually in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45–60 minutes or until a knife can easily pierce through, indicating tenderness. Let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the beets: Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and cut the beets into wedges or cubes as preferred.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the greens: Place the mixed greens in a large bowl and toss them gently with the prepared dressing to coat evenly.
- Assemble the salad: Divide the dressed greens onto serving plates, then top each with roasted beet pieces, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pistachios.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavors and best texture.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, roast beets a day ahead and refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Try using golden beets for a sweeter, milder flavor and colorful presentation.
- To make the salad vegan-friendly, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
