Roasted Beet, Cherry, Avocado & Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans

Ingredients

For the Salad

For the Balsamic Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Candied Pecans (Optional)

• ½ cup pecan halves

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon butter

• A small pinch of salt

• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Beets

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wash the beets thoroughly and trim off the tops and roots.

3. Peel the beets if desired and cut them into thick wedges.

4. Place the beet wedges on a baking tray.

5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

6. Toss until evenly coated.

7. Roast for 35–45 minutes, turning halfway through, until fork-tender.

8. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

The roasted beets should be tender inside with beautifully caramelized edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherries

1. Wash the cherries thoroughly.

2. Remove the stems and pits.

3. Cut the cherries in half.

4. Set aside for assembling the salad.

Fresh cherries provide natural sweetness and a lovely juicy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Candied Pecans

1. Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat.

2. Add the butter and honey.

3. Stir in the pecans.

4. Sprinkle with a little salt and cinnamon.

5. Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring continuously.

6. Transfer to parchment paper.

7. Allow them to cool completely before adding to the salad.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado and Vegetables

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the arugula.

2. Thinly slice the red onion.

3. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.

4. Peel the avocado and slice it into attractive wedges.

5. Prepare the crumbled goat cheese.

Keep the avocado fresh by adding a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 5: Make the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

• Olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Honey

• Dijon mustard

• Minced garlic

• Salt

• Black pepper

Whisk until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your preference.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange the fresh arugula on a large serving platter.

2. Distribute the roasted beet wedges over the greens.

3. Add the fresh cherry halves.

4. Arrange the avocado slices throughout the salad.

5. Scatter the sliced red onion over the top.

6. Sprinkle generously with crumbled goat cheese.

7. Add the toasted candied pecans.

Step 7: Add the Dressing and Serve

Drizzle the homemade balsamic dressing evenly over the salad.

Gently toss or leave the ingredients beautifully layered for presentation.

Finish with a little freshly ground black pepper.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Estimated nutritional values per serving, based on 4 servings.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Q/S = Quantity per Serving

This recipe contains pecans, which are tree nuts.

Benefits of pecans:

• Provide heart-friendly unsaturated fats.

• Contain vitamin E and antioxidants.

• Provide dietary fiber.

• Supply minerals such as magnesium and zinc.

Allergy note: Contains pecans. Avoid or substitute them if anyone has a tree-nut allergy. Check ingredient labels for cross-contact.

Helpful Tips for the Best Salad

1. Use ripe but firm avocado to maintain its shape.

2. Fresh cherries provide the best flavor, but frozen thawed cherries can work.

3. Roast the beets ahead of time to save preparation time.

4. Add pecans just before serving to preserve their crunch.

5. Keep the dressing separate if preparing the salad in advance.

6. Use baby arugula for a milder, more delicate flavor.

7. Add extra goat cheese for a creamier, tangier salad.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store undressed salad ingredients in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Dressing: Refrigerate separately for up to 5 days.

• Pecans: Store in an airtight container.

• Avocado: Best sliced immediately before serving.

• Freezing: Not recommended for the assembled salad.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken breast

• Roasted salmon

• Garlic butter shrimp

• Grilled steak

• Crusty garlic bread

• Roasted vegetables

Final Result

Enjoy a colorful, fresh, and delicious salad featuring earthy roasted beets, sweet cherries, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a sweet-tangy balsamic dressing.

A perfect combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy flavors in every bite!