Beet Salad with Goat Cheese is a fresh, vibrant dish that pairs earthy roasted beets with creamy, tangy goat cheese and a simple vinaigrette. Finished with red onions and parsley for extra brightness, this salad is as nutritious as it is flavorful. It’s perfect as a starter, light lunch, or elegant side dish for seasonal meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad strikes the perfect balance of textures and flavors: tender, sweet beets; sharp red onions; smooth goat cheese; and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s a visually stunning dish with bold color contrast and bright flavor. Simple to prepare and packed with nutrients, this recipe is a great choice for health-conscious meals, dinner parties, or weekday lunches.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- medium beets, roasted and peeled
- red onion, thinly sliced
- goat cheese, crumbled
- fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- olive oil
- red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- honey
- salt and pepper to taste
directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet in foil and roast on a baking sheet for 45–60 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Let beets cool, then peel off the skins and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place beet cubes in a mixing bowl and add the sliced red onion and chopped parsley. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: 170 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Greens: Serve over arugula or baby spinach for added texture and color.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Citrus Boost: Add orange segments or a splash of orange juice to the dressing.
- Balsamic Version: Substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic for a deeper flavor.
- Herb Mix: Try dill, mint, or chives in place of or alongside parsley.
storage/reheating
Store the salad (without goat cheese) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add goat cheese just before serving to maintain its texture. This dish is served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked beets?
Yes, pre-cooked and vacuum-packed beets are a convenient alternative to roasting your own.
Is goat cheese necessary?
You can substitute with feta, ricotta salata, or leave it out for a dairy-free version.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, prepare the components ahead and assemble just before serving.
What’s the best way to peel roasted beets?
Once cooled, the skins should slip off easily by rubbing them with a paper towel.
Can I use golden beets?
Yes, golden beets provide a milder flavor and beautiful color variation.
Is this salad vegan?
It can be made vegan by omitting the goat cheese and substituting the honey with maple syrup.
Can I add protein?
Yes, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or lentils can make it a more substantial meal.
What wine pairs well with this salad?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé complements it nicely.
Can I use another vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are also good alternatives.
Do beets stain?
Yes, beets can stain surfaces and clothing, so handle with care and use gloves if desired.
Conclusion
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese is a deliciously simple way to enjoy fresh, whole ingredients. Its stunning presentation and bold, clean flavors make it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. Whether served as a side or a standalone dish, this salad is an easy, elegant addition to any table.
Print
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing salad made with tender roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette—perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, roasted and peeled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool, then peel and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Place the beet cubes in a mixing bowl. Add sliced red onion and parsley, then drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Transfer the salad to a serving plate and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese just before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use gloves to peel beets to avoid staining your hands.
- Golden beets can be used for a color variation.
- Best served fresh, but can be stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg