Beet and Orange Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese
This vibrant and flavorful salad combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the bright acidity of oranges. The toasted walnuts add a nutty crunch, while the creamy goat cheese balances out the flavors. It's a simple dish to make, but it's sure to impress your guests.
The inspiration for this salad came to me on a cold winter day. I was craving something fresh and colorful, but I also wanted something that would be hearty enough to keep me warm. I had some beets and oranges in my fridge, and I thought they would be a good place to start. I roasted the beets until they were tender and caramelized, and then I added them to a bowl with some segmented oranges. I tossed the salad with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey, and then I topped it with some toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese. The salad was a hit, and I've been making it ever since.
Beet and Orange Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese Beet and Orange Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese Beet and Orange Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese Beet and Orange Salad with Walnuts and Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound beets, peeled and chopped
  • 1 orange, peeled and segmented
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Toss beets with olive oil, 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. In a large bowl, combine beets, oranges, walnuts, and goat cheese.
  6. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
  7. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
  8. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The roasting process intensifies the sweetness of the beets and gives them a slightly caramelized flavor.
  • The acidity of the oranges balances out the sweetness of the beets and adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
  • The toasted walnuts add a nutty crunch and provide a contrast in texture to the soft beets and oranges.
  • The creamy goat cheese adds a richness and tanginess to the salad.