Beet & Apple Salad With Balsamic Dressing Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Beet & Apple Salad featuring tender steamed beets, crisp honeycrisp apples, and a flavorful balsamic dressing. This easy-to-make salad combines the earthiness of beets with the sweetness of apples and creamy goat cheese, topped with crunchy walnuts for a delightful texture contrast — perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if steaming beets at home)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces steamed beets (250 grams or 1.5 cups; store-bought cooked beets recommended)
- 1 large honeycrisp apple
- 1 box spring mix or mesclun greens (5 ounces or 142 grams)
- 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 lemon, juice only
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake well to combine all ingredients smoothly. Set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cut Beets and Apples: Dice the steamed beets and the honeycrisp apple into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure a balanced bite and easy mixing.
- Plate Salad: Arrange the spring mix or mesclun greens on a large salad plate or bowl. Top the greens evenly with the chopped beets and apple pieces. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and walnut halves over the top, then season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss in Dressing: Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients and evenly coat with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
- You can steam beets at home by boiling or roasting them until tender if you prefer fresh over store-bought cooked beets.
- Use a sweet and crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast.
- Walnuts can be lightly toasted for an added depth of flavor.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting.
