3 min read, 433 words

Sophisticated Roasted Beet Salad: A Culinary Experience

This Roasted Beet Salad is one of my personal favorites—it’s truly a dish that makes me wonder, ‘where has this recipe been all my life’? I’m excited to share it with you! It’s visually appealing, has exceptional texture and flavor, and is packed with nutrients from whole foods ingredients. With Mediterranean flair, this salad harmonizes earthy roasted beets, subtly wilted greens, and sweet golden raisins. A gentle crunch from toasted pine nuts is perfectly balanced by your choice of savory cheese. Despite its sophisticated taste and appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for an elegant side salad suitable for any occasion.

Recipe Overview:

Preparation Time: 1.5 hours (due to roasting time)
Flavor Profile: Earthy, sweet, savory, balanced
Key Ingredients: Fresh beets, beet greens, golden raisins, pine nuts, select cheese, olive oil

Roasted Beet Salad with Beet Tops, Golden Raisins, and Pine Nuts

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh beets with tops
Original recipe does not have spring mix added, (Pam recommends adding)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 TBS olive oil
Ground black pepper and salt
½ cup golden raisins
2 TBS toasted pine nuts
4 oz sliced cubed cheese (low-fat options: provolone, muenster, part-skim mozzarella, monterey, low-fat ricotta; or higher-fat options: manchego, goat, gouda or ricotta)
Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°F.
Cut tops from beets; set tops aside.
Place beets and rosemary on foil or in a covered baking dish. Drizzle with 1 TBS olive oil and seal foil or cover dish. Roast for 55 minutes or until tender.
Allow beets to cool slightly, peel, discard skins and rosemary, and slice into wedges.
Thoroughly wash and dry beet greens; discard stalks and thinly slice greens.
In a large bowl, gently toss warm beets and sliced beet greens with remaining 2 TBS olive oil until slightly wilted. Season with salt and pepper. (Optional add spring mix)
Arrange salad on plates, sprinkle with golden raisins and toasted pine nuts, and top with your choice of cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.

Summary:

This Mediterranean-inspired Roasted Beet Salad is one of my favorites, as it’s easy to prepare, visually attractive and made of nutrient-dense, whole food ingredients. It combines roasted beets, slightly wilted greens, golden raisins, and crunchy pine nuts for a sophisticated, delicious , pretty salad, offering beneficial antioxidants, heart-healthy fats, essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This salad is a simple way to bring a touch of sophistication to even the most casual meal.