Roasted Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad with a Balsamic Reduction
This salad is a beautiful and delicious way to enjoy roasted beets. The beets are roasted until tender and caramelized, then tossed with goat cheese, red onion, and pecans. The balsamic reduction adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, and the salad is finished with a drizzle of olive oil. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it's also a great way to use up leftover beets.
Beets have been a part of the human diet for centuries, and they're thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region. The ancient Greeks and Romans used beets for both food and medicine, and they believed that beets could improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and even boost sexual desire. Beets were also a staple food in the Middle Ages, and they were often used in soups, stews, and salads. Today, beets are still enjoyed all over the world, and they're particularly popular in Eastern Europe, where they're often used in borscht and other traditional dishes.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
Beetroots (medium)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Goat cheese
Red onion
Pecans
Balsamic vinegar
Maple syrup
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel and cut the beets into 1-inch cubes.
Toss the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the beets on a baking sheet and roast for 30-45 minutes or until tender.
While the beets are roasting, prepare the balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.
Assemble the salad by combining the roasted beets, goat cheese, red onion, and pecans.
Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the salad and serve immediately.
Why It Works
Roasting the beets brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes them slightly.
The goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the salad.
The red onion adds a bit of sharpness and crunch.
The pecans add a nutty flavor and some texture.
The balsamic reduction adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, and it helps to bring all of the flavors together.