Name: Roasted Beet And Goat Cheese Salad With Candied Walnuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487366H53M20S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium red beet, roasted and sliced; 1 medium yellow beet, roasted and sliced; 4 cups mixed greens (arugula preferred); 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled; ½ cup walnuts, toasted; ¼ cup candied walnuts; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for candied walnuts)

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Short Description

A vibrant, colorful salad featuring roasted red and yellow beets atop peppery arugula, topped with creamy goat cheese and sweet, crunchy candied walnuts. Balanced with a honey-Dijon vinaigrette, it’s a fresh, elegant dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The contrasting flavors: earthy beets, tangy goat cheese, and sweet walnuts
A mix of textures: silky roasted beets, crisp greens, and crunchy nuts
Easy to prepare and visually stunning
Perfect as a light main course or sophisticated side
Versatile enough to customize cheese, nuts, or dressing to your taste

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salad Components:
• 1 medium red beet, roasted and sliced
• 1 medium yellow beet, roasted and sliced
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula preferred)
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted
• ¼ cup candied walnuts, sweet and crunchy
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped

Dressing:
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Candied Walnut Coating:
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Directions

Roast The Beets

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wrap each beet in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 45–60 minutes, until fork-tender.
Let cool, then peel and slice into wedges.

Candy The Walnuts

In a small pan over medium heat, toast raw walnuts until fragrant. In the final minute, sprinkle sugar over the nuts and stir until caramelized. Remove to cool.

Prepare The Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Assemble The Salad

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens with chopped shallot.
Layer sliced roasted beets over the greens.
Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and candied walnuts on top.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4 as a side, 2 as a main course
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Roasting Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

Swap goat cheese for feta or blue cheese depending on your flavor preference
Replace walnuts with pecans or pistachios for a different crunch
Use spinach or mixed greens instead of arugula for a milder base
Try a balsamic vinaigrette instead of honey-Dijon for added richness
Skip the candied nuts and simply drizzle honey if you prefer less sweetness

Storage/Reheating

Store salad components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Candied and toasted nuts keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days
Dressing may separate—re-whisk gently before using
Best served fresh; temperature of leftovers may affect texture of beets and greens

FAQs

How Do I Know When Beets Are Done?

They should be fork-tender but still hold their shape—approximately 45–60 minutes roasting time.

Should I Peel Beets Before Roasting?

No, roasting with the skin makes peeling easier afterward and helps retain flavor.

Can I Use Plain Toasted Walnuts Instead Of Candied?

Yes! If you prefer less sweetness, using plain toasted walnuts is a great option, optionally drizzled with honey.

What Goat Cheese Is Best?

A mild, fresh goat cheese works best—it complements without overpowering the delicate beet flavor.

Can I Use Another Cheese Instead?

Absolutely—crumbled feta adds tang, and blue cheese adds bold flavor if you prefer stronger notes.

Is This Salad Gluten-Free?

Yes, so long as all components (especially dressing and nuts) are gluten-free certified.

Do I Need To Slice Beets Wedges?

Wedges hold up nicely, but you can also cut beets into rounds or cubes based on preference.

How Sweet Are The Candied Walnuts?

They offer a balanced sweetness. Adjust the sugar according to how sweet you’d like them.

What Temperature Should I Serve This At?

Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor of the ingredients.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes—roast beets and candy nuts in advance. Store components separately and assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

Roasted beet and goat cheese salad with candied walnuts combines beautiful colors, bold textures, and bright flavors—all on one elegant plate. Whether served as a refined side dish or light entrée, it’s sure to impress with its visual appeal and delicious balance.