This salad features earthy roasted beets paired with creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts, all drizzled with a bright lemon dressing. The beets are roasted until tender and caramelized, then sliced and combined with the other ingredients for a visually appealing and flavor-rich dish with a mix of soft, crunchy, and creamy textures. Perfect as a cozy starter or elegant side for fall dinners.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them directly on the oven rack.
Roast the beets for about 45-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center slides in easily and they feel tender.
While the beets roast, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins by rubbing gently with your fingers or a paper towel. The skins should come off easily and reveal vibrant, roasted flesh.
Slice the peeled beets into thick rounds, about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) thick, to showcase their beautiful color and texture.
Arrange the beet slices evenly on a serving platter, creating a nice layered or fan pattern for visual appeal.
Crumble the goat cheese over the warm beet slices, allowing it to soften slightly for a creamy contrast.
Drizzle the prepared lemon dressing evenly over the assembled salad, ensuring each piece is lightly coated for freshness and brightness.
Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and chopped thyme over the top for added crunch and aromatic flavor.
Gently toss the salad just before serving if desired, or leave it layered for an elegant presentation.
Notes
Peeling beets while warm makes skin removal easier. Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature before crumbling for a softer texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.