Description
A vibrant and nutritious Roasted Beet and Kale Salad that combines tender roasted beets with fresh kale, dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups roughly chopped kale
- 2 medium beets
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup roughly chopped walnuts
- 2 ounces goat cheese
Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Beets: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the tops off the beets, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of stem, then gently wash them to remove any dirt.
- Roast Beets: Place the beets in a small Dutch oven or a casserole dish with a lid. Bake them covered for 1 hour, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and let cool until they are safe to handle.
- Peel and Slice Beets: Remove the remaining stems completely. Hold each beet under running water and gently rub off the skins using your fingers or a paper towel to avoid staining. Once peeled, slice each beet into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale, sliced roasted beets, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and goat cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Serve: Transfer the tossed salad to a serving bowl. Optionally, sprinkle some extra crumbled goat cheese or chopped walnuts on top for added texture and presentation. Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Notes
- This salad shines with the homemade balsamic vinaigrette, which complements the earthy sweetness of the roasted beets and tangy goat cheese beautifully.
- Using gloves or a paper towel while peeling beets helps prevent staining your hands.
- Beets can be roasted ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator to save preparation time.
- For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 259 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 229 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
