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This beet salad with goat cheese and balsamic is a vibrant, nutrient-rich dish that delivers both elegance and everyday simplicity.
The natural sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with creamy goat cheese and the tart crunch of green apples, while toasted walnuts add depth and texture.
Arugula or spring greens provide a fresh base, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy finish.
What makes this salad a nutritional gem is its high content of fiber, plant-based nutrients, and heart-healthy fats.
Beets support detoxification and blood pressure regulation, while walnuts offer omega-3s and goat cheese contributes a dose of protein with less saturated fat than many other cheeses.
Whether you’re entertaining or meal-prepping, this salad is make-ahead friendly, easy to assemble, and satisfyingly flavorful.
Roast your beets in advance and toss everything together in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Nordic Ware Aluminum Baking Sheet
This heavy-duty baking sheet ensures even heat distribution while roasting the beets, giving you consistent texture and caramelization.
A staple for roasting veggies, baking cookies, or sheet-pan dinners.
Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
Essential for wrapping and roasting the beets to trap moisture and intensify flavor.
Also great for grilling, freezing, or storing leftovers with confidence.
OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
Although peeling under water works, a sturdy Y-peeler can make beet prep even easier and cleaner.
Its ergonomic design saves time when peeling any root vegetables or fruits.
Chef’n Handheld Mandoline Slicer
Ideal for slicing the shallots and apples paper-thin. Compact, safe, and perfect for precision slicing when prepping salads or garnishes.
OXO Salad Spinner
Perfect for drying greens quickly after washing, keeping your salad crisp and fresh.
Doubles as a colander and storage bowl—great for everyday kitchen use.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet – for roasting the beets
- 4 Sheets Aluminum Foil – to wrap the beets individually
- 1 Chef Knife – for slicing apples, shallots, and beets
- 1 Cutting Board – for prepping the vegetables and fruit
- 1 Salad Bowl – for assembling the salad
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 medium fresh beets
- 1 –2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 2 cups mixed salad greens such as arugula or spring mix
- ½ medium shallot very thinly sliced
- ½ green apple thinly sliced into matchsticks or half-moons
- ¼ cup walnut halves toasted
- 2 ounces soft goat cheese crumbled or torn into small pieces
- Handful of microgreens optional, for garnish
- 3 –4 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette to taste
- Pinch of flaky sea salt for finishing
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Beets to Deepen Flavor: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the beets thoroughly and trim off any leaves or stems. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil, along with a small pinch of salt and pepper inside each foil pouch. Arrange the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 90 minutes, depending on their size, until they are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
- Peel and Cool the Roasted Beets: Once the beets are roasted and cool enough to handle, unwrap them and gently peel off the skins. The skins should slip off easily using your hands under cold running water or with a clean kitchen towel. Transfer the peeled beets to the refrigerator and let them chill completely before slicing.
- Slice and Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Cut the cooled beets into ¼-inch thick rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. Meanwhile, prepare the rest of your salad ingredients: thinly slice the shallot and green apple, crumble the goat cheese, and toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble the Salad Beautifully: In a large serving bowl or platter, layer the salad greens as a base. Arrange the sliced beets evenly across the greens. Scatter the shallots, apple slices, toasted walnuts, and goat cheese crumbles over the top. Add microgreens, if using, for an extra fresh touch.
- Dress and Finish Before Serving: Drizzle the salad generously with balsamic vinaigrette. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tips: You can roast and peel the beets up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Serving Temperature: This salad tastes best slightly chilled or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to mingle without being muted by cold.
- Vinaigrette Ideas: A classic balsamic vinaigrette works beautifully, but feel free to use a maple-Dijon or citrus vinaigrette for a twist.
- Nutritional Bonus: Beets are rich in antioxidants and fiber, walnuts add healthy omega-3s, and goat cheese provides protein with less saturated fat.
- Customization: Try adding roasted chickpeas for extra crunch and protein, or swap the green apple for pears when in season.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Beets
The key to an unforgettable beet salad lies in properly roasting the beets to unlock their natural sweetness and earthy depth.
Wrapping each beet in foil while drizzling with olive oil and seasoning helps retain moisture, resulting in tender, juicy rounds.
Don’t rush the roasting process — beets vary in size, so use a fork to test for softness.
Peeling the skins while running under cold water makes the process effortless and less messy.
For the best texture contrast, slice the beets evenly about ¼ inch thick. Toasting walnuts fresh right before assembling the salad brings out their oils and crunch, elevating the overall flavor.
Lastly, use a high-quality balsamic vinaigrette or make your own with a balance of acidity and sweetness to tie all the components beautifully.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This beet salad shines as a sophisticated starter or side dish for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
Serve it atop a bed of peppery arugula for a pleasant bite or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
The combination of creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts adds richness and texture that pairs well with a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.
For a casual twist, add crusty bread or crostini to scoop up the salad. Microgreens garnish can be added last-minute to bring a fresh, vibrant look.
This salad also works beautifully as a lunchbox treat or picnic item — just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Storage Tips to Keep Salad Fresh
To maintain the best texture and flavor, store the roasted beets separately from the salad greens and other toppings.
Keep the peeled and sliced beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The dressing can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to a week.
Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting and the apples from browning.
If you need to prep ahead, lightly toss the apple slices with a splash of lemon juice to keep them crisp and fresh.
Leftover assembled salad is best eaten within a few hours to ensure optimal freshness and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beets
Q1: Can I use canned or pre-cooked beets for this recipe?
Yes, canned or pre-cooked beets can be used in a pinch, but roasting fresh beets will provide the best flavor and texture.
Q2: How do I know when beets are done roasting?
Pierce the beet with a fork or skewer — it should slide in easily without resistance when fully cooked.
Q3: What can I substitute for goat cheese if I’m allergic?
Creamy feta or ricotta salata are good alternatives, offering similar tang and texture.
Q4: Can I make the salad vegan?
Absolutely! Skip the goat cheese and consider adding roasted chickpeas or avocado slices for creaminess and protein.
Q5: How long can roasted beets be stored?
Roasted beets keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
This recipe is inspired by loveandlemons and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.