Beet and Arugula Salad
A fresh, vibrant Beet and Arugula Salad combining the peppery bite of arugula with the earthy sweetness of cooked beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted walnuts, tossed in a bright honey-lemon olive oil dressing. This quick and nutritious salad is perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling/Steaming/Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salad Ingredients
- Fresh Arugula – 4 cups, rinsed and dried
- Cooked Beets – 2 medium-sized, peeled and cut into cubes or slices
- Goat Cheese – ½ cup, crumbled
- Toasted Walnuts – ¼ cup, lightly toasted
Dressing Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 3 tablespoons
- Fresh Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
- Prepare the Beets: Wash the beets thoroughly. Boil, steam, or roast them until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Allow to cool, peel off the skin, and cut into bite-sized cubes or thin slices as preferred.
- Assemble the Greens: Rinse and dry the arugula leaves well using a salad spinner to avoid soggy salad. Place the arugula in a large mixing bowl or on a serving platter as the salad base.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooled beets on top of the arugula. Crumble goat cheese evenly over the salad, drizzle the dressing generously, then gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients without bruising the leaves.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the salad for crunch and nutty aroma. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use beets of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Dry arugula thoroughly to prevent watered-down dressing.
- Adjust lemon juice and honey quantities to balance acidity and sweetness.
- Lightly toast walnuts in a dry pan to enhance flavor.
- Cook beets ahead and refrigerate to save time when assembling salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
Keywords: beet salad, arugula salad, healthy salad, quick salad, goat cheese salad, walnut salad, vegetarian, gluten free