Beet, Goat Cheese, and Walnut Salad with Orange Vinaigrette (1 Hr, 17 Mins)

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This vibrant beet, goat cheese, and walnut salad combines the earthy sweetness of yellow and red beets with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the crunch of walnuts.

Layered over fresh salad greens and topped with crunchy seasoned peas, this salad offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.

Drizzled with a homemade orange vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light meal or side dish.

  • Prep Time: 17 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the salad:

  • 2 medium red beets
  • 2 medium yellow beets
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup crunchy seasoned peas

For the orange vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beets (1 hour):
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Wrap the red and yellow beets separately in aluminum foil to prevent the colors from bleeding.
    • Roast in the oven until tender, about 45-60 minutes, depending on their size.
    • Once cool enough to handle, peel the beets and slice them into thin rounds.
  2. Make the orange vinaigrette (5 minutes):
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the dressing ingredients according to your preference for sweetness or acidity.
  3. Assemble the salad (10 minutes):
    • Arrange the salad greens on a large platter or in a salad bowl.
    • Alternately layer the sliced red and yellow beets on top of the greens.
    • Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts over the beets.
    • Just before serving, scatter the crunchy seasoned peas over the top to maintain their texture.
  4. Serve (2 minutes):
    • Drizzle the orange vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to keep the greens and beets vibrant and fresh.
    • Gently toss at the table or leave it layered for guests to mix as they serve themselves.

Notes

This salad is not only beautiful but also packed with nutrition. The combination of sweet beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts makes each bite satisfying.

For the best presentation, use a mandoline to slice the beets evenly. This salad is ideal as a standalone meal or as a complement to a main dish, especially during spring and summer months. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 8g

Pair this with...

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Simple Tomato Soup

Start with a can of whole tomatoes; they're a trusty shortcut to rich flavor. In a pot, sauté a diced onion until it’s soft. Add in a couple cloves of minced garlic, and let those aromatic buddies mingle. Pour in your tomatoes, break 'em up a bit, and add 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. For depth, sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. Now, blend it until smooth. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl in a touch of cream for extra richness. Serve hot.

Homemade Unsweetened Iced Tea

Begin by choosing a quality black, green, or herbal tea – your preference will set the tone. Bring a pot of fresh water to a gentle boil and steep your tea bags or loose leaves, letting the tea brew a bit stronger than if you were making it hot, as it will mellow when chilled. Once you’ve achieved that deep, aromatic infusion, remove the tea and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer your tea to a pitcher and pop it into the fridge to cool down and intensify the flavors. When serving, fill a glass with ice cubes, pour over the chilled tea, and maybe add a slice of lemon or sprig of mint for a touch of flair.

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