Easy Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Slivered Almonds
With the festive hues of red beets, green arugula, and golden slivered almonds, this Christmas salad recipe is a celebration of flavors and a feast for the eyes that will make your holiday spread merry and bright!
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Elevate your festive spread with our Easy Christmas Roasted Beet Salad – a colorful symphony that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious! These roasted ruby-red beets take center stage, creating a vibrant canvas for your holiday table. With the festive hues of red beets, green arugula, and golden slivered almonds, this Christmas salad recipe is a celebration of flavors and a feast for the eyes that will make your holiday spread merry and bright!
Picture this: tender roasted beets, like little bites of earthy bliss, mingle with the peppery dance partners of baby arugula. But wait, there’s more! Crunch into the symphony of toasted almonds, adding a delightful nutty crunch, and savor the creamy encore of crumbled goat cheese. It’s a flavor rollercoaster you won’t want to end!
What are the health benefits of beet salad?
This Easy Roasted Beet Salad recipe isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a nutritional powerhouse with numerous health benefits:
- Rich in Nutrients: Beets are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, and vitamin C. These nutrients support overall health and contribute to a well-balanced diet.
- Antioxidant Boost: Beets are loaded with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.
- Heart-Friendly Ingredients: The combination of beets, olive oil, and almonds contributes to heart health. Beets may help lower blood pressure, while olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, and almonds offer heart-protective nutrients.
- Bone Health: The salad’s ingredients, such as arugula and almonds, contain calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
- Dietary Fiber: This salad is a good source of dietary fiber, thanks to the beets, arugula, and almonds. Fiber promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
- Protein and Good Fats: Goat cheese and almonds add protein and healthy fats to the mix, supporting satiety and providing a balanced nutritional profile.
- Weight Management: The combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats can aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.
Remember, incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables, like those in this salad, into your diet is a fantastic way to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients for overall well-being.
Why I love this recipe
Besides the obvious health benefits, what makes me adore this salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The earthiness of roasted beets, the peppery kick from arugula, the crunch of toasted almonds, and the creaminess of goat cheese – it’s a harmonious symphony in every bite. Plus, it’s a showstopper at any gathering, adding a pop of color to your table.
RELATED: Classic French Tuna Nicoise Salad with Dijon Dressing – This classic French salad is a vibrant and healthy ensemble of fresh ingredients that will transport your taste buds to a coastal paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Roasted Beet Salad with Balsamic Dressing:
For the beet salad
- 6 to 8 medium-size beets, tops and roots removed and scrubbed
- 1 (5 ounce) package baby arugula
- ⅓ cup toasted, slivered almonds
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
For the balsamic honey dressing
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Here’s how to make a Roasted Beet Salad
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast the beets for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Step 2: While the beets are roasting, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel and cut them into slices. Toss with half of the vinaigrette.
Step 4: Arrange the arugula on a serving platter and top with the beets, almonds, and goat cheese. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Make this Roasted Beet Salad, then check out my other recipes that use my balsamic salad dressing such as: Blueberry, Apple, Cranberry and Kale Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette,
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I use pre-cooked beets for this salad?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or canned beets. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time accordingly, or skip that step altogether.
What can I substitute for goat cheese if I’m not a fan?
Feel free to swap goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for the honey in the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make the dressing gluten-free.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The balsamic-honey dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before drizzling it over the salad.
How long can I store leftovers?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.
Can I add grilled chicken or another protein to make it a complete meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be excellent additions to make this salad more substantial and turn it into a satisfying meal.
What other greens can I use instead of arugula?
Spinach, mixed greens, or watercress can be great alternatives to arugula, depending on your taste preferences.
I don’t have slivered almonds; can I use whole almonds?
Certainly! You can use whole almonds or chop them roughly if you prefer a heartier crunch in your salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the components in advance and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its texture and flavors.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This salad is vegetarian-friendly, and the goat cheese provides a satisfying protein element.
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40+ Easy Fall Salad Recipes
Fall is here, and do you know what that means? It’s time to enjoy the fresh fall produce with salad ideas that your whole family will love!
Other Christmas salad recipes to try
- Pomegranate and Apple Green Christmas Salad
- Blueberry, Apple, Cranberry and Kale Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
- The Best Tomato and Green Bean Salad with Feta
Easy Christmas Roasted Beet Salad Recipe
INGREDIENTS
For the salad:
- 6 to 8 medium-size beets (tops and roots removed and scrubbed)
- 1 5 ounce package baby arugula
- ⅓ cup toasted (slivered almonds)
- ½ cup goat cheese (crumbled)
For the balsamic dressing:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast the beets for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- While the beets are roasting, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel and cut them into slices. Toss with half of the vinaigrette.
- Arrange the arugula on a serving platter and top with the beets, almonds, and goat cheese. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
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