Rating: 3.67
(114)

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

December 25, 2024

Roasted beet salad with goat cheese and walnuts is one of those dishes that feels effortlessly elegant yet grounded in rustic simplicity. It brings together a medley of textures and flavors that complement each other beautifully-earthy roasted beets, creamy and tangy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a bright, zesty dressing to tie it all together.

The star of this salad is the roasted beet. Once roasted, beets transform from firm and slightly bitter to tender and sweet, with a deep, jewel-toned color that looks stunning on the plate. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the sharp tang of crumbled goat cheese. The cheese adds richness and creaminess, contrasting the firmness of the beets and balancing their earthy notes.

Walnuts bring a necessary crunch to the dish, adding depth with their toasty flavor. Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad enhances their aroma and gives them that satisfying bite. Together with the beets and goat cheese, they create a trifecta of flavor and texture that makes every forkful interesting.

The salad greens are typically something fresh and mild like arugula or baby spinach, offering a peppery background without overwhelming the main ingredients. They serve as a fresh base that soaks up the vinaigrette and brings everything together. A simple dressing – often a vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, and a touch of honey – adds brightness and acidity, lifting the richness of the cheese and rounding out the salad.

This salad works beautifully as a starter, a light lunch, or even a side dish to a main course. It’s a go-to for fall and winter meals, especially when beets are in season, but it’s just as welcome at a spring table. Roasted beet salad with goat cheese and walnuts is not only vibrant and delicious, but it also feels like something truly special – simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, that result in a dish worth savoring.

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
3.67 from 114 votes
This vibrant Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts is a delicious blend of sweet roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal, offering a mix of textures and flavors that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 beets medium, trimmed and scrubbed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup walnuts toasted
  • 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the beets in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast the beets in the preheated oven until they are tender, about 45 minutes. Allow them to cool before peeling and slicing.
  • While the beets are roasting, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
  • In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and sliced beets. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
  • Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 4000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beets, goat cheese, salad
Cooking Method: Roasted
Diet: Nut-free
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

Join the Conversation
  1. 3 stars
    Honestly, too many ingredients! Can I just toss my beets with some ranch or somethin? Keeping it simple.

    1. User avatar markus.balistreri1952 says:

      4 stars
      I get it! Sometimes simple is the best. Ranch sounds good too! But don’t knock the beets, they’re really tasty roasted.

    2. 2 stars
      Why would you ruin beets with ranch? They taste amazing with all that stuff! Just try it.

  2. User avatar gisela.jacobs74 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is so fresh and tasty! The goat cheese adds a perfect creamy touch. Definitely a keeper!

  3. 2 stars
    I tried this but I’m not a fan of beets. They looked pretty but tasted weird to me. Can’t understand the hype.

  4. User avatar willy.bednar23 says:

    2 stars
    Tried it but forgot to roast beets! Just boiled them instead. Kinda bland… Not sure if I did it right.

  5. User avatar araceli.cassin6 says:

    4 stars
    Wow, I didn’t think I could like goat cheese, but it pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the beets!

  6. 2 stars
    Walnuts feel random to me. Like they’re fine, but would pecans or almonds work better? Idk, I’m skeptical but the rest looks pretty solid.

  7. User avatar virgil.von says:

    2 stars
    This salad is just ok. Not my fave. I think I was expecting more flavor.

  8. User avatar rene.rolfson says:

    5 stars
    Best salad I’ve made! Takes some time but totally worth it. You gotta try it!

  9. User avatar silas.kuhic says:

    3 stars
    I don’t have mixed greens, can I use just regular lettuce? Will that ruin it?

  10. 5 stars
    Never thought I’d like beets, but this recipe changed my mind. So delicious! Will make again for sure.

    1. User avatar clyde.smith11 says:

      5 stars
      Beets are amazing! I never liked them as a kid, but roasted is the way to go! So glad you liked the recipe!

  11. User avatar maryland.waelchi says:

    2 stars
    Why are we putting goat cheese in a salad? Cheese belongs on pizza! Not sold on this one.

  12. User avatar earline.bins1961 says:

    4 stars
    I don’t really like beets, but I tried this recipe for my friends. They loved it, so I guess it works!

  13. User avatar Ryuu Shenlong says:

    4 stars
    Beets are always a weird flavor to me, but this recipe is surprisingly good.

    1. User avatar branden.grady77 says:

      5 stars
      I never thought I’d like beets either! But this salad sounds delicious, I’m gonna try it for sure! 🥗

  14. User avatar lyla.schmeler says:

    2 stars
    The beets took forever to roast! Is there a faster way? Could’ve just bought pre-cooked ones.

  15. User avatar jeanna.conn55 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the instructions but mine didn’t look half as good. Maybe my camera just wasn’t working!

    1. User avatar patrick.berge says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry, everyone’s plate looks different! Maybe try adjusting the lighting next time?

    2. User avatar jacinto.pagac2015 says:

      3 stars
      I found my beets too hard to slice! Did I roast them long enough? Not sure about this one…

  16. User avatar rudolph.lowe says:

    4 stars
    YUM! So good with goat cheese. But I used peanuts instead of walnuts since I didn’t have any, still great!

  17. User avatar lavern.wintheiser74 says:

    4 stars
    UK here! We usually have beets as dessert. This as a salad is new but really nice!

    1. 5 stars
      So interesting., I have never heard of that! Thx for opening my mind and palate!!
      How do u use beets in dessert— ice cream? Whipped cream- would give it such a beautiful pink color!!
      I look forward to hearing from you and others who have this tradition!!

      1. User avatar mariano.hahn says:

        2 stars
        Wait, beets in dessert? I don’t know about that. Sounds weird. Can’t imagine how it would taste. Stick to chocolate, I say!

      2. User avatar osvaldo.mclaughlin91 says:

        5 stars
        You can definitely use beets in desserts! Beet ice cream is awesome! The color is just beautiful! I also heard people using it in brownies, gives a moist texture. 😋

  18. User avatar elvina.wisoky91 says:

    5 stars
    Made this for a dinner party and everyone loved it! So fresh and tasty, plus easy to make. Will do again!

  19. 5 stars
    This salad is a game changer! The flavors just pop. Definitely a 5-star dish!

  20. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

    4 stars
    Love the walnuts! Adds a nice crunch. But the dressing was too sweet for my taste.

    1. User avatar Alia Atreides says:

      4 stars
      I totally get that! I usually prefer less sweet dressings too. Maybe try reducing the honey next time?

  21. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

    2 stars
    Meh. It was okay. I thought it would be more filling. 🙁

  22. User avatar amanda.hills20 says:

    5 stars
    Deliciousness!!! Everyone should make it. Goat cheese rocks!

  23. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! The beets and goat cheese together are perfect. Definitely a 5!

  24. User avatar Hillman Hunter says:

    3 stars
    I think it could use more vinegar. Or maybe lemon? Not enough zing for my taste.

  25. 5 stars
    This salad is just amazing! The combination of beets and goat cheese is a match made in heaven. Everyone loved it!

  26. 5 stars
    This sounds fancy but actually pretty straightforward. Roasting the beets in foil is such a good trick—makes them sweet without needing extra sugar.

    1. User avatar chasity.walker60 says:

      3 stars
      Idk, 45 min always feels too short for my beets 😅 Also I’ve never liked balsamic with honey (too sweet for me). But the foil trick is legit, I’ll give it that.

    2. 5 stars
      Totally agree—foil roasting really does make beets taste way less earthy. I used a little extra honey just because, but the sweetness came through nicely either way. Great salad combo too (goat cheese + walnuts = yes).

  27. User avatar ryan.dooley67 says:

    1 star
    Beets are gross sorry not sorry. But this does look pretty lol.

  28. User avatar lecia.mckenzie says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I never thought I’d enjoy beets. The honey in the dressing really balances the flavors.

  29. User avatar marisha.stark says:

    5 stars
    This salad was a game changer for my dinner party! Everyone loved it!

    1. User avatar evan.jacobi81 says:

      5 stars
      I tried this salad too and it was amazing! The goat cheese gives it a nice flavor. Definitely a keeper!

  30. 5 stars
    Short and sweet: YUM. I just want to eat the whole bowl!

  31. User avatar marcel.russel says:

    1 star
    Salad? More like a healthy snack! LOL.

  32. 5 stars
    Yum. 10/10

  33. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

    4 stars
    Health benefits of beets are awesome! Good for the liver and they taste good too! 👌

  34. User avatar yan.maggio1971 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make! But I used feta instead of goat cheese because I couldn’t find it. Still turned out great!

  35. User avatar shizuko.bechtelar says:

    5 stars
    Easy to make! Very fresh and light feeling. Perfect for summer picnics.

    1. User avatar britt.cronin37 says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! This salad does feel so refreshing in the summer. Perfect for a picnic indeed!

    2. 3 stars
      Sounds tasty, but how can beets be fresh? Aren’t they kinda earthy? I don’t know if I’d like that…

  36. User avatar kelley.kreiger0 says:

    1 star
    I dont have balsamic vinegar, can I use just regular vinegar? I really wanna try this but I got no special stuff.

  37. User avatar veda.schultz21 says:

    3 stars
    I kinda burnt my beets, oops. Still tasted ok but gotta watch the roasting time!

  38. User avatar rebekah.simonis says:

    3 stars
    I messed up the roasting time and my beets were too hard. But the flavor was still good. Will try again with better timing.

    1. User avatar elaine.tremblay48 says:

      2 stars
      Hard beets? That’s not how it’s supposed to be! Did you even follow the recipe? Maybe try boiling first?

    2. User avatar allan.bosco says:

      4 stars
      At least the flavor was good! Just keep an eye on the time next time. Roasting can be tricky. I usually set a timer.

  39. User avatar isiah.altenwerth says:

    2 stars
    I don’t like beets, so I wasn’t a fan of this. But my friends loved it. So…

    1. 4 stars
      I get it! Beets aren’t for everyone, but it’s great your friends enjoyed it! Maybe you can try a different salad next time?

    2. User avatar lizeth.haley9 says:

      2 stars
      Wow, I can’t believe your friends liked it. Beets are just… eww. But hey, more for them, right? 😂

  40. 4 stars
    Very refreshing! I added some grilled chicken for protein, turned out awesome!

3.67 from 114 votes
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