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Fresh Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans

fresh roasted beet and goat cheese salad - featured image

A fresh and satisfying salad featuring roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and sweet crunchy candied pecans, perfect for a quick and elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium fresh beets, trimmed and scrubbed
  • 4 ounces soft, creamy goat cheese
  • 5 cups baby arugula or spinach
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in foil and place on a roasting pan or baking sheet. Roast for 45-50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Let cool slightly.
  2. When cool enough to handle, rub skins off the beets with your hands or a paper towel. Slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds or wedges.
  3. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in sugar until dissolved and bubbling slightly. Add pecan halves and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until pecans are glossy and toasted. Transfer to parchment paper to cool and harden.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
  5. In a large bowl, toss baby arugula with half the dressing. Arrange roasted beet slices on top, crumble goat cheese over salad, and sprinkle with candied pecans. Drizzle remaining dressing and gently toss or leave layered for presentation.

Notes

Let roasted beets cool completely before slicing to keep shape intact. Candy pecans over medium-low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning. Assemble salad just before serving to keep greens crisp and pecans crunchy. Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to two days.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted beet salad, goat cheese salad, candied pecans, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, vegetarian salad