Nothing beats a fresh and vibrant salad that’s bursting with color, flavor, and nutrition. This Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette is a perfect balance of earthy, creamy, crunchy, and tangyelements. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a sophisticated side dish, or a festive salad for gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser!
With sweet roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a bright honey-Dijon vinaigrette, this salad is both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can prepare parts of it ahead of time!
Why You’ll Love This Salad
Nutrient-Dense: Beets are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Roast the beets and make the dressing in advance.
Crowd-Pleaser: A colorful, elegant salad that impresses guests.
Customizable: Swap out nuts, cheese, or greens based on preference.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 10 oz mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ½ lb roasted beets, cut into wedges
- ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled
For the Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1½ tbsp minced shallots
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make Roasted Beet Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, minced shallots, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil while whisking continuously until emulsified. Set aside.
Step 2: Roast the Beets (If Not Pre-Cooked)
If using fresh beets, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap whole beets in foil and roast for 50–60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool, then peel and cut into wedges.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Place the mixed greens in a large bowl and drizzle with half of the vinaigrette. Toss to coat evenly. Arrange the dressed greens on a serving platter or individual plates.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Top the greens with roasted beet wedges, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for the Best Roasted Beet Salad
✔ Toast the walnuts for extra flavor! Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
✔ Make it heartier by adding grilled chicken, salmon, or quinoa.
✔ Substitutions: Swap walnuts for pecans, goat cheese for feta, or use balsamic vinaigrette instead.
✔ Meal Prep-Friendly: Roast beets and prepare the vinaigrette in advance for easy assembly.
What to Serve with Roasted Beet Salad
Crusty Bread: A warm baguette pairs beautifully with this salad.
Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or lamb.
Soup Pairing: A bowl of butternut squash or lentil soup makes it a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Walnuts & Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette is an elegant yet easy dish that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great choice for everyday meals or special occasions.
Happy cooking!