🥗 Vibrant Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Crunchy Pistachios
A stunning salad that brings together earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, peppery greens, and crunchy pistachios—drizzled with sweet-tangy balsamic glaze and olive oil. Perfect as a starter, side, or a light main course. It’s a true celebration of color, texture, and flavor!
📝 Ingredients:
- 4 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and diced
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups arugula or baby spinach (or a mix of greens)
- ⅓ cup pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
- 2–3 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- Optional Add-ons:
- 1 pear or apple, thinly sliced (adds freshness and sweetness)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🔥 Instructions:
- Roast the Beets (if not pre-roasted):
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap beets in foil, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 40–50 minutes until tender.
- Let cool, peel, and dice.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl or serving platter, add the greens.
- Top with diced beets, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pistachios.
- Add optional fruit slices if using.
- Dress:
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Toss lightly or serve composed. Best served fresh and slightly chilled or at room temperature.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves 2–4 depending on if it’s a side or a main dish.
🧠 Notes & Tips:
- Beets can be roasted in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter than regular vinegar — adds depth and beautiful shine. You can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey.
- Use herbed goat cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- Mix up the nuts — try walnuts, pecans, or almonds if you don’t have pistachios.
- Add grilled chicken or salmon for a protein-packed meal.
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate – for 4 servings):
- Calories: 210–250
- Protein: 6–8g
- Carbohydrates: 14–18g
- Fiber: 3–5g
- Fat: 16–18g
- Sugar: 8–10g (mostly from beets and balsamic glaze)
Add fruit or protein to adjust macros.
✅ Health Benefits:
- Beets support heart health, liver detox, and stamina (rich in nitrates & antioxidants).
- Goat cheese is easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese and rich in calcium.
- Pistachios provide plant protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
- Greens like arugula are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Low in carbs, high in nutrients – perfect for a clean-eating or Mediterranean-style diet.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use canned or pre-cooked beets?
A: Yes! Just make sure they’re plain (not pickled) for best flavor.
Q: What’s a good vegan substitute for goat cheese?
A: Use a dairy-free goat-style cheese or a cashew-based spread.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes! Keep components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Q: What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
A: Reduce regular balsamic vinegar in a pan until thick, or use a mix of balsamic vinegar + a drizzle of honey.
Q: Will the salad keep well overnight?
A: It’s best fresh. But if dressed lightly, it can hold in the fridge for a few hours without wilting too much.