Beet, Arugula, And Goat Cheese Salad: Perfect Pairing Ideas

A beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served as a light lunch or an elegant side. The sweetness of beets, the peppery kick of arugula, and the creamy tang of goat cheese create a delightful mix of textures and flavours. To elevate this dish, you can add crunchy walnuts, dried cranberries, or even avocado slices. The versatility of this salad is showcased by the option to use either roasted, boiled, or pickled beets, and the ability to substitute goat cheese with feta. For a simple homemade dressing, a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and honey is a great option, but store-bought options such as balsamic vinaigrette are also excellent choices.

What type of cheese goes with beet, arugula and goat cheese salad?

A beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad is a dish that can be easily customised to your taste. Goat cheese is a popular choice for this salad, as its tangy, creamy texture pairs well with the earthy sweetness of beets. However, if you're looking for a different type of cheese to complement these flavours, there are several options to consider.

Feta cheese is a common substitute for goat cheese in this salad. It has a salty, tangy flavour that can add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the beets and the peppery bite of the arugula. Crumbled feta cheese can be sprinkled over the salad, adding a creamy texture similar to that of goat cheese.

Another option is to use a harder cheese, such as avocado, which can be diced or sliced and added to the salad. Avocado has a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour that can complement the other ingredients without overwhelming them.

If you're looking for a more pungent cheese, blue cheese could be a good choice. Its strong, salty flavour can stand up to the earthy beets and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries or apples that are sometimes included in this salad.

Finally, for a more subtle flavour, you could consider using a soft, fresh cheese such as ricotta. Its mild, creamy taste will enhance the other ingredients without overpowering them.

When choosing a cheese to pair with beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad, consider the balance of flavours and textures. You want a cheese that will complement the earthiness of the beets, the peppery taste of the arugula, and the tanginess of the goat cheese, while also adding its own unique flavour and texture to the dish.

What are some other ingredients that can be added to the salad?

There are several ingredients that can be added to a beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some suggestions:

Nuts and Seeds

Toasted walnuts are a popular choice to add extra crunch and a nutty flavour to the salad. You could also try pistachios, pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), pecans, or almonds. Toasting the nuts and seeds before adding them to the salad can bring out their flavour.

Fruits

Dried cranberries or dried cherries can add a sweet and tangy layer of flavour to the salad. You could also try fresh or dried apples, pears, or avocado.

Dressing

A balsamic vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper is a popular choice to complement the other ingredients in the salad. Alternatively, you could use a honey and lemon dressing, or a store-bought dressing such as a raspberry vinaigrette or citrus dressing.

Other Vegetables

Radishes and green onions can add extra freshness and crunch to the salad. Shallots can also be used to add depth of flavour.

Substitutions

If you don't like arugula, you can substitute it with milder spring greens, baby spinach, or baby lettuce. Feta cheese can be used instead of goat cheese, and you can also swap out the beets for sliced apple.

What is a good dressing for the salad?

A beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The sweetness of the beets, the peppery bite of the arugula, and the creaminess of the goat cheese create a unique blend of tastes and sensations.

When it comes to choosing a dressing for this salad, a tangy lemon vinaigrette or a balsamic vinaigrette are popular choices. The former adds a tangy twist to the salad, while the latter brings a sweet and tangy flavour that goes well with the leafy greens.

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dry powdered mustard

Place the ingredients in a jar, shake well to emulsify, and adjust to taste.

For a balsamic vinaigrette, you can combine the following:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

Again, place the ingredients in a jar, seal, and shake well to combine.

Both dressings can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When serving the salad, drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to combine.

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and adjust them to your taste preferences. You can also add other elements to the salad, such as avocado, walnuts, or dried cranberries, to create a unique and personalised dish.

How do you prepare the beets for the salad?

Preparing beets for a salad is a simple process, but it can be a little time-consuming. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare beets for your arugula and goat cheese salad:

Step 1: Choosing and Storing Beets

Before you start cooking, you'll need to choose and store your beets appropriately. Look for beets that are mostly unblemished, without any cuts or dents on the skin. If the beet greens are still attached, choose ones with vibrant, fresh leaves. You can store the beets in the refrigerator for up to two weeks by cutting off the beet greens, leaving about 1 inch of the stem attached, and wrapping the beets in paper towels inside a plastic zip-top bag.

Step 2: Pre-Cooking Preparation

When you're ready to cook the beets, start by removing them from the refrigerator and gently scrubbing them with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris. Cut off the stems and leaves at the top, and if the beets are large, you may want to cut them in half or into wedges to speed up the cooking process. Beets can be messy, so it's a good idea to wear gloves if you have them to avoid staining your hands. You can also place paper towels or kitchen towels underneath to catch any drips.

Step 3: Roasting the Beets

Roasting beets is a popular method that brings out their natural sweetness. Preheat your oven to between 375-400°F. Drizzle the beets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the beets on a large piece of tin foil and wrap them up, creating a sealed packet. Place the packet on a baking sheet and roast for 40-90 minutes, depending on the size of your beets. You'll know they're done when you can easily insert a fork or knife through the foil. Remove the beets from the oven and let them cool.

Step 4: Peeling and Slicing

Once the beets are cool enough to handle, it's time to peel and slice them. The skins should slide off easily, and you can use your hands to help remove them under running water. Slice the beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds or wedges.

Step 5: Assembling the Salad

Now it's time to assemble your salad! Place your arugula or spring mix greens in a large serving bowl. Add the sliced beets, along with the goat cheese, and any other desired ingredients such as walnuts, apples, or shallots. Drizzle your favourite vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and your beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad is ready to serve!

What are some dishes that go well with the salad?

Beet, arugula and goat cheese salad is a flavourful and colourful dish that can be served as a side or a main. If you're looking for dishes to accompany this salad, here are some ideas:

For a Hearty Meal

If you're serving the beet, arugula and goat cheese salad as a side, you might want to pair it with a hearty main course. Here are some suggestions:

• Roasted pork tenderloin
• Duck or turkey
• Chicken meatballs
• Meatloaf
• Breaded chicken breasts
• Mushroom risotto
• Lasagna
• Baked ziti
• Pasta
• Polenta
• Pizza

For a Light Lunch

If you're enjoying the salad as a main course for lunch, you might want to pair it with a lighter dish. Some options include:

• Butternut squash soup
• Potato leek soup
• Greek-inspired dishes

For a Holiday Spread

The beet, arugula and goat cheese salad can also be a great addition to a holiday meal. Some dishes you can serve it with include:

• Green bean casserole
• Sweet potato casserole
• Mashed potatoes
• Classic holiday dishes like lasagna or baked ziti

Other Salads

If you're looking for other salad options to accompany your beet, arugula and goat cheese salad, here are some ideas:

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Butternut squash salad
• Pear salad with balsamic and walnuts
• Kale salad with carrot-ginger dressing
• Shaved Brussels sprout salad

So, whether you're enjoying the beet, arugula and goat cheese salad as a main or a side, there are plenty of dishes that can complement its unique and delicious flavours.

Frequently asked questions