Farmstead Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans
A vibrant salad featuring roasted farm-fresh beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied pecans tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 75 minutes pairs medium fresh beets, crumbled goat cheese, pecans into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium fresh beets
- 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap 4 medium fresh beets individually in foil and roast directly on the oven rack for 50-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Let cool, then peel and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup pecans for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until glossy and candied. Transfer pecans to a parchment-lined plate to cool.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, toss 5 cups mixed salad greens with the dressing until evenly coated. Gently fold in the roasted beet cubes, 4 oz crumbled goat cheese, and the cooled candied pecans.
- Step 5: Serve immediately as a fresh, colorful starter or side dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Farmstead Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Farmstead Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium fresh beets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Farmstead Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Farmstead Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Farmstead Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This salad is a showstopper for dinner parties. The candied pecans are addictive!
- ★★★★★
The beets were roasted to perfection and the goat cheese balanced the sweetness. My family devoured it!
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland without the dressing, but I added a bit of lemon juice and it was perfect.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
