Description
Rustic beet and arugula harmony salad showcases Mediterranean flavors with roasted beets, peppery arugula, and tangy goat cheese. Crisp textures and bold ingredients invite palates to explore fresh, seasonal combinations you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) beets, tops and roots trimmed (about 6 beets)
- 5 oz (142 g) arugula
- 1 small apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
- ½ cup (60 g) pistachios, roasted, salted, shelled, divided
- ⅓ cup (50 g) dried cranberries, divided
- 4 oz (113 g) cheese (goat, feta, or gorgonzola), crumbled, divided
- ¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp)
- ¾ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Roasting Preparation: Heat oven to 400°F, positioning rack in central position for even roasting of beets.
- Baking Process: Place whole beets in 9×13-inch baking dish, add thin water layer, cover completely with aluminum foil to create steamy cooking environment.
- Cooking Transformation: Roast beets until fork-tender, approximately 50-70 minutes, allowing vegetables to develop deep, concentrated flavors.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in mixing bowl until smooth and integrated.
- Beet Preparation: Cool roasted beets briefly, then carefully remove papery skin using fingers or soft cloth, revealing vibrant interior.
- Composing Salad: Cube warm beets, toss with half the vinaigrette, then layer over peppery arugula foundation, allowing flavors to meld.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with apple slices, pistachios, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese, drizzling remaining dressing to enhance overall taste profile and ensure complete ingredient distribution.
Notes
- Seal Tightly: Cover the baking dish completely with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and create a steamy environment for perfectly tender beets.
- Temperature Matters: Use a consistent 400°F oven temperature to ensure even roasting and develop deep, caramelized flavors in the beets.
- Cooling Technique: Let roasted beets rest until cool enough to handle, making skin removal easier and preventing burnt fingers.
- Dress Warm: Apply vinaigrette to warm beets immediately after cutting to help them absorb maximum flavor and create a more vibrant dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg