Patrick Oconnell
Beet and goat cheese salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It can be a starter, a side, or the main course. The sweetness of beets and the tangy, creamy goat cheese make for a delicious combination. This salad is a great way to add colour and flavour to your meal, especially in the fall or winter. You can serve it with a variety of dishes, such as soup, pasta, risotto, pizza, or polenta. It also goes well with roasted pork loin, lentil burgers, or steak, salmon, or chicken for a complete meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Side dish or starter |
| Seasonality | Fall or winter |
| Meal | Lunch or dinner |
| Main Course Pairings | Potato leek or butternut squash soup, pasta, risotto, pizza, polenta, steak, salmon, chicken, roasted pork loin, lentil burger |
| Ingredients | Beets, goat cheese, greens, shallots, apples, walnuts, microgreens, pears, honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, arugula, balsamic vinaigrette, maple syrup, pine nuts, pistachios, radishes, green onions |
| Preparation | Beets can be roasted, sautéed, boiled, pickled, steamed, grated, juiced, or raw |
| Dietary Options | Nut-free, vegan, dairy-free |
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What You'll Learn
Beet and goat cheese salad with walnuts
To make this salad, start by roasting your beets. You can do this in advance and store them in the fridge for up to three to five days. When you're ready to assemble the salad, place some fresh greens such as arugula or spring mix on a platter or plate. You can also add some microgreens for extra freshness. Next, scatter the roasted beets on top, followed by the crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts. To add some extra crunch and flavour, you could also include some chopped shallots, radishes, and green onions. Finally, drizzle your choice of dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
For the dressing, a tangy and sweet honey-dijon vinaigrette is a popular choice. To make this, simply whisk together honey, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, shallots, salt, and pepper. Then, slowly add in your choice of oil while whisking constantly. You can also add some maple syrup to the dressing for extra sweetness. Alternatively, a balsamic vinaigrette or a honey-balsamic dressing would also pair well with the beet and goat cheese salad.
This salad can be served as a side dish or a light and satisfying main course. If you'd like to make it more substantial, you can top it with steak, salmon, or chicken. It also pairs well with other hearty dishes like roasted pork loin, mushroom risotto, or lentil burgers. For a holiday spread, serve it with classic dishes like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, or mashed potatoes.
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Beet and goat cheese salad with apples
A beet and goat cheese salad with apples is a delicious and healthy meal that can be served as a side or main dish. This salad is perfect for entertaining or as a simple weeknight meal. It is also a great way to incorporate beets into your diet if you are not typically a fan.
To make this salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- Boston lettuce – a soft, tender base for the salad
- Roasted beets – earthy and sweet, adding vibrant color
- Red onion – just a hint, for a mild sharpness without overpowering
- Apple – crisp and slightly sweet for a refreshing crunch. Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their crunch and sweet-tart flavor.
- Soft goat cheese, torn into pieces – creamy and tangy for a touch of richness
- Toasted walnuts – nutty and crunchy, adding warmth and extra earthiness to the mix
- Olive oil – a smooth finish that brings everything together
- Lemon juice – brightens and balances the flavors
- Flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper – to make all the flavors pop!
To assemble the salad, start by slicing the lettuce into thin strands to create a light and delicate base. Core the apple and cut both the beets and apple into thin crescent shapes to add a pop of color and a mix of textures. Slice the red onion thinly, just enough to give a hint of sharpness without overwhelming the other flavors. Tear the goat cheese into small chunks, then scatter them evenly over the veggies, followed by the toasted walnuts for extra crunch. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salad to combine the flavors. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
This salad can be served as-is, allowing each person to mix their portion on their plate. The layered presentation is too pretty to mix in advance! You can also add a vinaigrette or balsamic vinegar dressing on the side for guests to add if they like. Enjoy!
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Beet and goat cheese salad with pears
To make this salad, start by choosing small to medium-sized beets that are firm to the touch. For the pears, go for a crispy variety like Bosc, Bartlett, or Anjou that will hold their shape when cooked. Keep the skins on for colour and crunch. You will also need a white or yellow onion, extra virgin olive oil, and rosemary for roasting.
For the dressing, you'll need balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together, then slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream while whisking constantly. You can also add a little maple syrup, garlic, and mustard to the dressing for extra flavour.
To assemble the salad, place a bed of fresh greens such as arugula or spring mix on a plate. Top with sliced beets, pears, and a sprinkling of pine nuts or toasted walnuts. Add soft goat cheese, and drizzle with the prepared dressing. Season with flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
This beet and goat cheese salad with pears can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, or as part of a larger meal with pasta, risotto, pizza, or polenta. It's also a great addition to a holiday spread, pairing well with dishes like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and mashed potatoes.
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Beet and goat cheese salad with pine nuts
To make this salad, you can roast the beets and pears a day in advance to save time. Allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, place the arugula on a serving platter, then add the beets and pears. You can also add some sliced apples or radishes for extra crunch and flavour.
Next, sprinkle the goat cheese and pine nuts over the salad. If you prefer a different type of nut, you can substitute walnuts or sunflower seeds for the pine nuts. Finally, drizzle the salad with a dressing of your choice. A honey balsamic vinaigrette or a dijon dressing will add a tangy, peppery touch to the salad.
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Beet and goat cheese salad as a side dish
Beet and goat cheese salad is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for serving it as a side:
For a Hearty Meal
Beet and goat cheese salad can be a perfect side dish for a hearty meal. It pairs well with roasted pork loin or mushroom risotto. If you're looking for a plant-based option, try serving it with a lentil burger. The freshness and acidity of the salad can balance out the heartiness of these main courses.
Holiday Feasts
This salad can also be an excellent addition to your holiday spread. It goes well with classic dishes like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside lasagna or baked ziti for another holiday meal. The sweetness of beets and the creaminess of goat cheese will complement the other flavours on the table.
Lunch or Light Dinner
For a lighter meal, serve the beet and goat cheese salad as a side with a bowl of soup, such as potato leek or butternut squash soup. It can also be a great side dish for pasta, polenta, or pizza. The salad adds a fresh and tangy element to these meals.
Dinner Parties
Beet and goat cheese salad is an elegant and versatile option for dinner parties. You can serve it with steak, salmon, or chicken to impress your guests. The salad's unique flavours and colours will make it a conversation starter. You can also offer it as a vegetarian option, pairing it with a lentil burger or a butternut squash bisque.
Mediterranean Twist
For a Mediterranean twist, add pears, pine nuts, and a honey balsamic dressing to your beet and goat cheese salad. This variation provides a delightful interplay of sweet and salty flavours. It pairs well with other Mediterranean dishes, such as hummus, grilled vegetables, or a nice glass of wine.
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Frequently asked questions
Beet and goat cheese salad is a great side dish for any fall or winter meal. You can serve it with a bowl of potato leek or butternut squash soup for lunch or with pasta, risotto, pizza, or polenta for dinner.
This salad is very flexible, so you can tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, you can swap out the beets for strawberries or sliced apples, use crumbled feta instead of goat cheese, and pecans, almonds, or pistachios instead of walnuts.
The dressing typically consists of honey, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, shallots, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
You can try a roasted beet salad with goat cheese and pistachios or a roasted beet salad with pears and goat cheese.
You can prepare all the elements of the salad a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.
