Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts
This roasted beet and goat cheese salad is a simple but elegant dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The beets are roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, and then they are combined with creamy goat cheese, crunchy candied walnuts, and fresh parsley. The result is a salad that is both flavorful and satisfying.
The origins of this salad are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been created by a group of monks in the 12th century. The monks were known for their simple and frugal lifestyle, and they often used whatever ingredients were available to them to create their meals. One day, the monks were roasting beets in their monastery kitchen when they realized that they had run out of their usual dressing. In a moment of desperation, they decided to combine the beets with goat cheese, walnuts, and parsley. The result was a salad that was so delicious that the monks decided to keep it as a staple in their diet.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Walnuts
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup candied walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Toss beets with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread beets on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
  4. Let beets cool slightly.
  5. To assemble the salad, combine beets, goat cheese, walnuts, and parsley in a bowl.
  6. Toss to combine.
  7. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the beets and caramelizes their edges, creating a complex and flavorful base for the salad.
  • The goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the beets, while the candied walnuts add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
  • The fresh parsley brightens up the salad and adds a herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients.