It’s January, and like clockwork, we are all back to healthy eating. One of my favorite combinations is beets and goat cheese. The sweetness of the beets and the slightly acidic, pithy taste of the goat cheese create a perfect flavor balance. Add the slight crunch of toasted walnuts, and now we’re really talking. Not only is this dish delicious and full of flavor, but it’s also packed with an antioxidant punch. If you want a short-cut, you can purchase already cooked beets at the grocery store.
Start off your year right with this fresh, healthy delicious salad!
P.S. I love Stickney Hills goat cheese which you can find at Lunds & Byerlys and many cheese shops.
Healthy Eating—Beet Salad with Oranges, Walnuts, and Goat Cheese
Ingredients
For the dressing:
1 medium shallot, minced
2 Tbls. sherry vinegar
1 Tbls. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1⁄2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the salad:
4 beets (or store-bought pickled beets for shortcut)
1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1⁄3 cup walnuts
1 bunch arugula, trimmed and torn
1 orange, peeled, segmented, and segments cut in half
4 ounces goat cheese (preferably Stickney Hill)
Instructions
Stir shallot, vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil (or stir first 4 ingredients in a jar with a lid, add oil, screw on lid, and shake to combine). Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill dressing in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove tops and the roots of the beets and peel each with a vegetable peeler. Cut the beets in half (large ones in quarters). Toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast 35 to 40 minutes until beets are tender. Remove from oven and let cool.
While beets are cooling, heat a sauté pan to medium-high heat and add walnuts. Toast, stir- ring frequently, for about 5 minutes.
To assemble salad, lay a bed of arugula leaves on a serving plate. Slice beets thin and lay them overlapping on the arugula. Next, sprinkle walnuts, orange segments, and goat cheese over beets. Pour dressing over the top and serve.
Oh Tonja, my absolute favorite, beet salad !! thanks for sharing the recipe.
Maybe I will make it Friday night before I go down to the Grant Park party room
and help Ron Berg pour scotch !!!!
Delicious! Will be making again soon
How wonderful to hear! Thanks Alesia! Happy healthy cooking!