Roasted Beet Salad Recipe

Preheat and prepare beets

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim beet greens, leaving about 1/2 inch of stem to prevent bleeding, then scrub beets well to remove dirt. Pat dry.

Roast beets

Place whole beets on a large sheet of aluminum foil or in a baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, and toss to coat. Wrap tightly in foil (or cover dish) and roast for 45–60 minutes, until a skewer slides easily into the center. Roast time depends on beet size (smaller beets cook faster).

Cool and peel

Remove beets from oven and let cool 15–20 minutes (or until comfortably handled). Using paper towels, rub skins off — they should slip off easily. If preferred, wear gloves to avoid staining.

Slice beets

Cut peeled beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds or wedges. Set aside to cool to room temperature while you prepare the dressing and other salad components.

Assemble greens

In a large bowl, combine 6 cups mixed salad greens and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion. Toss lightly so the onion distributes evenly.

Add beets to greens just before dressing: arrange roasted beet slices over the greens so they remain visually appealing.

Make vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake briskly while slowly streaming in 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more honey for sweetness or more lemon for brightness.

Dress salad

Drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the greens and beets, then gently toss to coat. Add more vinaigrette to taste (reserve any extra for serving).

Add toppings

Scatter 3 oz crumbled goat cheese (or feta), 3 oz toasted chopped walnuts or pecans, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives over the salad.

Final seasoning

Finish with a light grind of black pepper and a tiny pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately so the greens remain crisp and the warm beets add a pleasant contrast.