Summer Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Black Cherry Vinaigrette

This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of roasted gold and red beets with creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a vibrant black cherry balsamic vinaigrette, all served over a bed of fresh greens. It’s a visually stunning and flavor-packed salad perfect for any season.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Black Cherry Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Sea Salt

Ingredients

2 medium red beets
2 medium golden beets
6 cups fresh greens (arugula, spring mix, or baby greens)
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup chopped walnuts or nut of choice, toasted
3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus more for roasting)
2 tbsp Black Cherry Balsamic Vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the Beets   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets. Wrap each beet individually in foil and drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 40–60 minutes, or until a knife slides in easily. Let cool slightly, then peel and cut into wedges or bite-sized cubes. Keep red and gold beets separate to prevent color bleeding.

2. Toast the Nuts   While the beets roast, toast the nuts of choice in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Let cool.

3. Prepare the Dressing   In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp black cherry balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad   Arrange the greens on a large platter or individual plates. Top with roasted beet pieces, distributing both red and gold beets for a colorful presentation. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Drizzle with the Black Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette. Finish with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Tips

For extra flavor, add a few thin slices of shallot or red onion. This salad is amazing topped with grilled chicken or salmon, or protein of choice. If you want even more bold flavor, add a drizzle more of the Black Chery Balsamic Vinegar to your taste!