Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Sometimes, a recipe isn’t so much a set of instructions as it is a blank artist canvas. This eye-catching Beet Salad with Goat Cheese is a simple combination I frequently put together, with a few tweaks here and there. It’s crafted with a handful of ingredients that I usually have in my pantry and refrigerator.

Not only is it delectable, healthful, and simple enough for everyday dining, but its visual appeal can also make a splash at a dinner party. If, like me, you like to paint with your food, this simple beet salad recipe is the perfect opportunity to let your creative juices flow!

Recipe Ingredients and Their Benefits

• Beets: These vibrant root vegetables are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For the most colorful salad, use a mix of red and gold beets. The result? A nutrient-dense and visually stunning dish!
• Cucumber: Adds freshness and crunch. I like to use Persian or English cucumbers for a soft skin and no need to peel. They’re also rich in hydration-promoting water and important nutrients like vitamin K and potassium.
• Shallot: Shallots add a tangy bite to balance the sweetness of the beets. They are a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Goat cheese: Soft goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to the salad. It’s also a good source of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12. Make sure to purchase a whole log instead of pre-crumbled cheese to avoid added cellulose, which is used to prevent clumping.
• White balsamic vinegar: With its mild taste and a touch of sweetness, white balsamic vinegar is a perfect addition to this salad. Plus, it contains antioxidants that promote health.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A healthy fat that contributes a smooth taste to the salad, and is renowned for its beneficial properties for heart health. Feel free to use your most robust tasting olive oil in this recipe, it will add an interesting earthy note.
• Salt: High-end salts like Himalayan salt, Fleur de sel or Maldon sea salt can really elevate the taste of a salad when used as a finishing touch. However, if kosher salt is all you have on hand, it will work just as well.
• Fresh ground black pepper: A sprinkle adds a bit of heat and aids in nutrient absorption.

How to Make Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

1. The day before, roast the beets using our Roasted Beet recipe. Let them cool in the refrigerator.
2. Peel and slice beets, arranging them on a serving dish.
3. Slice shallots thinly and distribute over the beets.
4. Crumble goat cheese over the top.
5. Drizzle with vinegar and oil.
6. Sprinkle salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve and enjoy the burst of flavors!

For detailed instructions, see the full recipe below.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions:

• Use only red beets if you prefer or cannot find golden ones.
• Substitute red onion for shallots.
• Try feta cheese or blue cheese instead of goat cheese.
• Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra freshness.
• Add chopped walnuts or pistachios for another layer of texture.

Serving Suggestions

This beet salad with goat cheese can be served as an appetizer or side dish.

Though it can be assembled a few hours ahead, add the oil, vinegar salt, and pepper just before serving to maintain the fresh taste and texture.

Storage Instructions:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cucumber and shallots may lose some of their crunch, but the salad will still be delicious!

Conclusion:

This simple beet Salad is a basic but stunning dish that highlights the beauty of top-quality fresh ingredients. It’s great for a relaxed meal or a more formal gathering, demonstrating that simple ingredients can still pack a lot of flavor and nutrition.

Get started and create your masterpiece now!

More delicious recipes:

Roasted Beets

Easy Beet Salad

Lemony Beet Hummus

Roasted Root Vegetables