Ingredients
3 medium Fresh beets (red and golden)
4 oz Goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup Pistachios (shelled), roughly chopped
6 cups Baby arugula or mixed greens
3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Honey
1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper, To taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the beets thoroughly, trim the greens leaving about an inch of stem, and wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil.
2. Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. They’re done when a knife slides in easily.
3. While beets are roasting, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Once beets are cool enough to handle, use a paper towel or your fingers to rub off the skins. They should come off easily. Slice the beets into wedges or rounds.
5. In a large bowl, toss the greens with about half of the vinaigrette. Arrange the dressed greens on a serving platter.
6. Arrange the beet slices over the greens, then crumble the goat cheese evenly across the salad. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
7. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately. The warm beets will slightly melt the goat cheese, creating a delightful texture.
Notes
Pro-Tips:
• Wear gloves when handling beets to prevent staining your hands. The vibrant color can be stubborn to remove!
• Roast beets whole with the skin on, wrapped in foil. This method locks in moisture and flavor. You can check doneness by inserting a knife—it should slide in easily.
• Let beets cool completely before peeling. The skins will slip off effortlessly when they’re cool enough to handle.
• Toast your pistachios lightly in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly.
• For a make-ahead option, you can roast the beets up to two days in advance. Store them whole in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before assembling the salad.
Variations:
• Swap goat cheese for feta or blue cheese if you prefer a sharper flavor profile.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
• Include seasonal fruits like orange segments or sliced pears for a sweet contrast to the earthy beets.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Easy Meals
- Method: Roast and Toss
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian