With their distinct taste and firm texture, beets bring a unique dimension to this salad. Their earthy undertones lend a grounding element that balances the other flavors in the dish. Not only do beets provide a rich taste experience, but they also offer a host of health benefits. Packed with essential nutrients, beets promote heart health, support digestion, and boost energy levels. The earthiness of beets is a perfect complement to the creaminess of the goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast that makes this salad exceptional. The combination is a testament to the artistry of flavors that can be achieved in a well-crafted dish.
Why is this the best salad
Well, the creamy tang of the goat cheese adds depth and complexity to the earthy beets, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. But it’s not just the combination of the beets and goat cheese that makes this salad stand out. The addition of tender, aromatic parsley adds a refreshing and light element to the dish. Additionally, adding a vinaigrette ties everything together, adding sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the other ingredients. What truly sets this salad apart is the attention to detail in the preparation. The beets are perfectly cooked, bringing their natural sweetness and intensifying their earthy flavor. The goat cheese is crumbled just right, ensuring every mouthful is infused with creamy goodness. The salad is carefully assembled, with each ingredient placed in a way that maximizes visual appeal and taste. Not only is this salad a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant red of the beets, the creamy white of the goat cheese, and the deep green of the mixed greens create a visually stunning dish that is as pleasing to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients and substitutes
Let’s start with the star of the show: the beets. While the vibrant red color of roasted beets adds a striking visual element to the dish, you can also experiment with other types of beets. Golden beets, for example, bring a slightly milder and sweeter flavor to the salad, while candy cane beets offer an eye-catching contrast with their pink and white stripes. Spanish red onions offer a nice contrast to the sweet beets. Furthermore, allowing them to macerate in the vinaigrette removes the pungent flavor while retaining some of their crunch. Now, let’s move on to the creamy goat cheese. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can opt for a different kind of cheese that suits your taste. Crumbled feta or blue cheese can provide a salty kick, while ricotta adds a subtle, creamy texture. Even vegan options like almond-based cheese or tofu-based cheese can be used to create a plant-based version of this salad. Next up, parsley adds a nice aromatic flavor. Of course, you can experiment with other mixed greens as well. While the classic combination of spinach, arugula, and lettuce provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures, feel free to mix it with other leafy greens. Kale, watercress, or even thinly sliced Brussels sprouts can bring unique characteristics to the salad. Finally, let’s not forget about the dressing. While a simple vinaigrette complements the flavors of the salad beautifully, you can experiment with different dressings to suit your palate. A citrusy dressing with lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing twist, or a creamy herb dressing can lend a rich and indulgent touch.
Step by step beet goat cheese salad
To start, gather all the necessary ingredients: fresh beets, Spanish onion, goat cheese, chopped parsley, and ingredients to make the vinaigrette dressing. Cook – It’s important to ensure that your beets are cooked and cooled before assembling the salad. If you’re using pre-cooked beets, slice or dice them to your desired size. If you’re starting with raw beets, you’ll need to wash and peel them, then cook them until tender and let them cool completely.
Vinaigrette – Start by making the dressing. Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to a small jar and shake it well. Macerate – Slice the onions and separate them. Add a few tablespoons of the dressing and leave to macerate for 15 minutes. Similarly, add a few tablespoons of the dressing to the beets and set aside. Drain the onions and discard the pungent juices. Do the same with the beets. Set aside
Cheese – Next, prepare your goat cheese. If you prefer a crumbly texture, you can crumble it over the salad, as I have done today. Pro tip – For a creamier consistency, you can whip the goat cheese with a bit of cream or olive oil until smooth and spreadable. This will allow the flavors to meld more evenly throughout the salad. Once your beets and goat cheese are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. Combine the onions with the beets. Add the parsley and mix. Transfer to the salad serving platter. You can also place them over a bed of mixed greens. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese all over the salad. If necessary, add more vinaigrette and sprinkle toasted walnuts over the salad, ensuring they are well-distributed. The walnuts will provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy goat cheese and earthy beets.
Tips for making beet goat cheese salad
Roasting the beets instead of boiling or steaming them adds a depth of flavor and a slightly caramelized sweetness to the salad. Drizzle the beets with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, wrap them in foil, and roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour or until tender. Let them cool before peeling and slicing. Add a pop of freshness and a burst of aroma to your salad by incorporating fresh herbs. Toss in some chopped parsley, dill, or mint leaves to complement the beets’ earthiness and the goat cheese’s tanginess. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite flavor profile. While sweet, pungent onions add a nice contrast to the beets, feel free to experiment with other neutral veggies like cucumbers, grated carrots, etc. If you enjoy a hint of sweetness in your salad, add some fruity elements. Thinly sliced apples or pears can bring a crisp, juicy texture while balancing the flavors. Alternatively, you can opt for dried cranberries or raisins to impart a chewy and slightly tangy sensation. While goat cheese pairs wonderfully with beets, you can experiment with different types of goat cheese to add exciting flavor profiles. Try using crumbled goat cheese for a creamier texture or goat cheese with a layer of ash for an intriguing smokiness. Toasted nuts provide a delightful crunch and an added layer of texture to the salad. Consider sprinkling some chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans on top. To toast the nuts, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Creative ways to serve beet salad
Bite-Sized Appetizers: Transform your beet goat cheese salad into elegant bite-sized appetizers by spooning the mixture onto endive leaves or small puff pastry cups. Top it off with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an added touch of sophistication. Deconstructed Salad: Consider deconstructing the beet goat cheese salad for a visually stunning presentation. Arrange individual beet slices on a platter and top them with dollops of goat cheese. Sprinkle some microgreens and chopped walnuts over the plate and serve with a side of mixed greens dressed in a citrus vinaigrette. This deconstructed version will impress your taste buds and guests’ eyes. Beet and Goat Cheese Tart: Elevate your salad game by transforming it into a delicious beet and goat cheese tart. Spread a layer of goat cheese onto a pre-baked puff pastry crust, then arrange thinly sliced roasted beets on top. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and bake until the crust is golden brown. This savory tart is perfect for a light lunch or a show-stopping appetizer. Beet and Goat Cheese Crostini: Toasted baguette slices make the perfect base for a beet and goat cheese crostini. Spread a generous layer of creamy goat cheese onto each slice, then top with roasted beet slices and a drizzle of honey. Garnish with chopped fresh mint or basil for a refreshing twist. These crostinis are a delightful addition to any cocktail party or gathering.
Easy Beet SaladCream of Mushroom SoupEasy Beet Salad RecipeIndian Goat Curry RecipeSpinach Goat Cheese Phyllo Rolls
Frequently asked questions
Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later. You can find my recipes on Pinterest. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Subscribe, and I’ll send you new recipes right to your inbox. Thank you for sharing - Save for later
