Description
This Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Pistachios is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated starter. Featuring tender roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad balances earthiness and brightness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 3 medium-sized beets, roasted and peeled
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- Mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale) – about 2 cups
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 45 minutes or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, let them cool, then peel off the skins and slice the beets into thin rounds.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth, forming the dressing for the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: Lay the roasted beet slices evenly on a serving platter or individual plates. Scatter the mixed greens over the beets, then sprinkle with the crumbled goat cheese, chopped pistachios, and thinly sliced red onions to add creaminess, crunch, and a slight bite.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette evenly over the assembled salad. Toss gently if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
- You can roast beets in advance and refrigerate them for up to 3 days, making this salad easy to prepare ahead.
- For a nut-free version, substitute pistachios with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit completely.
- Adjust the amount of goat cheese according to your taste preference for creaminess.
- The salad dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container; whisk before use.
- Adding a splash of orange juice or honey to the dressing introduces a subtle sweetness that pairs well with roasted beets.
