This Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that's perfect for any season. The combination of earthy beets, sweet citrus, and tangy goat cheese creates a delightful balance that will keep you coming back for more.
Beets are the star of this salad, offering a sweet, earthy flavor that gets even better when roasted. Oranges and grapefruits add a juicy, tangy contrast that brightens the dish. The olive oil provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing, while honey adds a touch of sweetness. Lime juice gives the dressing a zesty kick, and the goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element. Mint offers a fresh, aromatic note, and pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and pepper brings all the flavors together.
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal. It's also great as a standalone dish for a refreshing lunch. For a more filling option, serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is warming up, give the beets a good scrub to remove any dirt, then wrap each one in a piece of aluminum foil. This will help them roast evenly and keep them moist. Pop them in the oven, and let them roast for about 45 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork. Once they're done, set them aside to cool.
While the beets are cooling, turn your attention to the citrus fruits. Peel and segment the oranges and grapefruits, making sure to remove any seeds you come across. This step can be a bit messy, but it's worth it for those juicy bites.
Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and lime juice. This simple dressing ties all the components of the salad together with its sweet and tangy flavors.
Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. They should come off easily. Slice the beets thinly and start arranging them on a platter along with the citrus segments. Crumble the goat cheese over the top, and drizzle everything with your honey-lime dressing.
For the finishing touches, sprinkle the salad with chopped mint and pumpkin seeds. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Your salad is now ready to serve!