Zesty Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad with Quinoa and Walnuts
This salad is a vibrant and flavorful combination of earthy beetroot, creamy goat cheese, nutty quinoa, and crunchy walnuts. The zesty lemon-honey dressing brightens up the salad, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
The inspiration for this salad came to me on a trip to the farmer's market. I was drawn to the beautiful, deep purple beets and knew I had to find a way to showcase their earthy flavor. I paired them with creamy goat cheese and nutty quinoa for a balance of textures and flavors. The lemon-honey dressing adds a touch of brightness and acidity, which complements the sweetness of the beets and the richness of the goat cheese. This salad is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients and how they can come together to create a truly delicious dish.
Zesty Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad with Quinoa and Walnuts Zesty Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad with Quinoa and Walnuts Zesty Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad with Quinoa and Walnuts Zesty Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad with Quinoa and Walnuts
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 35 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 large beetroot, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the beetroot cubes with the olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread the beetroot cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
  4. While the beetroot is roasting, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the roasted beetroot, cooked quinoa, goat cheese, walnuts, and parsley.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey.
  7. Drizzle the lemon-honey dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  8. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The roasting of the beetroot intensifies their sweetness and brings out their earthy flavor.
  • The quinoa provides a hearty base for the salad and adds a nutty flavor.
  • The goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad.
  • The walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the salad.
  • The lemon-honey dressing brightens up the salad and adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.