Beet Salad Recipe (with Goat Cheese)

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Servings: 6 servings

1 hr

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This vibrant beet salad with goat cheese, citrus, and balsamic dressing is fresh, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a simple must-try that tastes as beautiful as it looks.

If you love this recipe, you should try my Italian Orange Fennel Salad and Fall Harvest Salad!

A serving plate of beet salad with utensils and more ingredients nearby.
Icon of a lemon.

Quick Look: Beet Salad Recipe

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes (optional)
  • Total Time: 15–60 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Dietary Info: Gluten-free, vegetarian
  • Method: Roasting + assembly
  • Technique: Layering fresh + roasted elements
  • Flavor/Texture: Sweet, tangy, creamy, crunchy

Why You’ll Love This Beet and Goat Cheese Salad!

This is one of those salads I keep coming back to. It reminds me that the simplest ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly special. I love serving this when I have guests because it looks elegant, but it’s effortless. And honestly, I crave it just as much for a quiet lunch at home.

The perfect side dish for any meal, like my Grilled Chicken Thighs or Oven Baked Italian Sausage!

Made With Amore,

Simple Ingredients

There are only a handful of key ingredients that make this beet and goat cheese salad so fresh, balanced, and flavorful.

Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Fresh Beets: Roasted until tender and naturally sweet, they form the earthy, flavorful base of the salad
  • Mixed Greens Or Arugula: Add a peppery, fresh contrast that balances the sweetness of the beets and citrus
  • Goat Cheese: Brings creamy, tangy richness that ties all the flavors together
  • Orange Segments And Nuts: Add bright citrus juiciness and crunchy texture for contrast in every bite
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing: A balanced, tangy-sweet dressing that enhances and unifies all the ingredients

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Cheese Substitutions: Swap goat cheese with feta or burrata for a different creamy, tangy profile. Try my Peach Burrata Salad!
  • Citrus Variations: Use blood oranges or mandarins instead of standard oranges for a deeper or sweeter citrus flavor.
  • Fresh Add-Ins: Add chives or thinly sliced shallots for a mild onion bite and extra freshness.
  • Protein Option: Turn it into a full meal by adding Grilled Chicken or salmon for extra heartiness.

How to Make Beet Salad (with Goat Cheese)

Sweet roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, bright citrus, and crunchy nuts come together in this vibrant salad Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.

Roasted beets on a piece of foil.
  1. First, roast the beets (skip if using pre-cooked). Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Clean beets and remove stems. Wrap whole beets loosely in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 40–50 minutes, until fork-tender. Let cool slightly, then peel the skins off with your hands, gloves, or a paper towel. Cut into wedges.
A container of salad dressing.
  1. In a mason jar with lid or bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, smashed garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified. Let sit for at least 10 minutes so the garlic infuses the dressing. Remove garlic before serving if desired.
Greens added to a serving plate.
  1. Arrange the greens on a large serving platter or shallow bowl.
Greens added to a serving plate.
  1. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Beets added on top.
  1. Scatter the roasted beets over the greens.
Goat cheese added on top.
  1. Add orange segments, nuts, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with balsamic dressing just before serving. Garnish with fresh mint if using. Serve immediately.

Beet Salad (with Goat Cheese) FAQs

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Serving information

You can roast the beets up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. Make sure to store the dressing separately, it will last up to 1 week. You can assemble the salad just before serving, ensuring the best texture.

Can I use store-bought beets?

Yes, vacuum-packed roasted beets are a great shortcut and still taste delicious.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Dress the greens lightly and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

This beet salad recipe (with goat cheese) is a fresh, vibrant dish that works beautifully as a lunch, starter, or light dinner. I love serving it alongside grilled or Blackened Chicken, Oven Baked Salmon, or a simple Grilled Chicken Sandwich for a more filling option. You can also play around with your dressing, and try my Orange Vinaigrette Salad Dressing instead of the balsamic vinaigrette!

Pouring a jar of dressing over the prepared salad.

My Pro Tips

Recipe Tips

  • Let the dressing sit – the garlic infusion makes all the difference
  • Always season each layer lightly for the best flavor
  • Add dressing right before serving so greens stay fresh
  • Crumble goat cheese by hand for the best texture

More Salad Recipes You’ll Love

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Beet Salad Recipe

Servings: 6 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
A plate of beet salad with utensils and more ingredients nearby.
This vibrant beet salad with goat cheese, citrus, and balsamic dressing is fresh, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. A must-try!

Ingredients 

Salad

  • 4 –5 medium beets, roasted and cut into wedges (or vacuum-packed, pre-cooked beets)
  • 2 cups salad greens, baby arugula or spring mix
  • 1 orange, peeled and segmented
  • 1/3 cup pistachios, candied pecans, or walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled by hand
  • Fresh mint, optional garnish

Balsamic Dressing

  • ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, di Modena if possible
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed (left whole)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions 

  • Roast the Beets (Skip if Using Pre-Cooked): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap whole beets loosely in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 40–60 minutes, until fork tender. Let cool slightly, then peel the skins off with your hands or a paper towel. You can run them under cold water while you peel. Cut into wedges.
  • Make the Dressing: In a jar or bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, smashed garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified. Let sit for at least 10 minutes so the garlic infuses the dressing. Remove garlic before serving if desired.
  • Prepare the Salad Base: Arrange the greens on a large serving platter or shallow bowl. Lightly drizzle with a little of the dressing and a pinch of salt.
  • Assemble: Scatter the roasted beets over the greens. Add orange segments, nuts, and crumbled goat cheese.
  • Dress and Finish: Drizzle with balsamic dressing just before serving. Garnish with fresh mint if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Let the dressing sit – the garlic infusion makes all the difference
  • Always season each layer lightly for the best flavor
  • Add dressing right before serving so greens stay fresh
  • Crumble goat cheese by hand for the best texture

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 137mgPotassium: 334mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 443IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian/ French/ American
Tried this recipe?Mention @cucinabyelena or tag #cucinabyelena!

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About Elena Davis

My dream is to share delicious wholesome recipes that you will share around the table with all your loved ones. The memories surrounded by food are the heart and soul of CucinaByElena.

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