Description
A vibrant and healthy Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad featuring tender roasted beets, fresh arugula, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 medium beets, scrubbed
- 6 cups arugula
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the beets: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wrap each scrubbed beet in foil, leaving some water clinging to speed up cooking, and place them on a baking sheet. Roast until tender, about 1 hour, by checking with a knife or fork. Allow to cool enough to handle, then peel and slice into thin wedges.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a jar, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Shake vigorously until fully emulsified. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Alternatively, whisk vinegar, mustard, syrup, salt, and pepper in a bowl while slowly drizzling in olive oil.
- Assemble the salad: Place the arugula in a large serving bowl. Lightly dress with the prepared vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat. Top with roasted beet wedges, sliced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. Toss again lightly, adding more vinaigrette if desired, to combine all flavors before serving.
Notes
- Beets can be roasted ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To save time, use store-bought pre-cooked beets if desired.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Adjust vinaigrette ingredients to taste, balancing sweetness and acidity.
- For extra texture, add shaved red onion or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: roasted beet salad, goat cheese salad, arugula salad, autumn salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, balsamic vinaigrette
