Beet and Cheese Salad

A colorful and flavorful salad that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The roasted beets add a touch of sweetness, while the feta cheese and walnuts provide a salty and crunchy contrast. The balsamic vinegar dressing ties everything together with a tangy and bright flavor.

This salad was inspired by a trip I took to the farmers market last summer. I was browsing the stalls when I came across a beautiful bunch of beets. I had never cooked with beets before, but I was intrigued by their vibrant color. I bought them home and experimented with a few different recipes, until I finally came up with this salad. It's now one of my favorite summer dishes.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 bunch beets, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the beets with olive oil and spread them on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
4. While the beets are roasting, prepare the dressing by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine the roasted beets, feta cheese, walnuts, and red onion.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
7. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The roasting process intensifies the sweetness of the beets.
• The feta cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the beets.
• The walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
• The balsamic vinegar dressing ties everything together with a tangy and bright flavor.