Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts (Print version)
This vibrant salad combines sweet roasted beets, crunchy walnuts, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing for a balanced, flavorful dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 medium beets, trimmed and scrubbed
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
→ Nuts and Cheese
04 - 1/2 cup walnut halves
05 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
→ Dressing
06 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 teaspoon honey
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F.
02 - Individually wrap each trimmed beet in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 45 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife. Allow to cool slightly before carefully peeling the skin and cutting the beets into wedges or cubes.
03 - While the beets are roasting, toast the walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until aromatic. Set aside to cool.
04 - In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, roasted beets, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
06 - Transfer the assembled salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and, if desired, freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's one of those dishes that looks incredibly fancy, but honestly, it’s a breeze to throw together.
- Every bite offers this delightful dance of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy—it’s truly addictive!
02 -
- Resist the urge to over-roast your beets; they should be tender when pierced, not falling apart, or you'll lose that lovely texture.
- Seriously, do not skip toasting the walnuts—it awakens a whole new level of nutty goodness that makes all the difference in this salad.
03 -
- For the best flavor, season your roasted beets lightly with salt and pepper *after* they’ve been peeled and cut, not before roasting.
- While typically served chilled or at room temperature, tossing this salad while the beets are still slightly warm enhances their sweetness and slightly wilts the greens beautifully.