Easy Beet and Goat Cheese Salad — Candied Walnut is my go to move when I want something that feels a little fancy but I do not want to cook a whole big meal. You know those nights when you open the fridge and it is a random mix of produce, a lonely cheese log, and maybe a bag of nuts? This salad was basically born from that exact situation at my house. It is sweet, tangy, crunchy, and somehow still feels light. Plus, roasted beets make everything look like you really tried, even if you were just winging it. 
What You’ll Love About Beetroot Salad with Goats Cheese
If you are trying to eat more salads but you are bored of plain lettuce and bottled dressing, this is the one. This Easy Beet and Goat Cheese Salad — Candied Walnut hits all the satisfying notes, so it feels like a real meal instead of a side dish you suffer through.
Here is what makes it a repeat recipe for me:
- Big flavor with simple ingredients like beets, goat cheese, greens, and walnuts.
- Great texture because you get tender beets, creamy cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts.
- It is make ahead friendly so you can roast beets earlier and build it later.
- It looks pretty which is weirdly motivating when you are trying to eat better.
If you like having a solid step by step version saved, I also keep this handy: easy roasted beet salad with goat cheese and walnut. It is basically the same vibe and helps when you want a quick reference.
My favorite moment is always the first bite when the goat cheese melts just slightly against the warm beet slices. It is cozy and bright at the same time, if that makes sense.
Why This Recipe Works
There is a reason this salad feels restaurant level without restaurant effort. The ingredients do a lot of work for you, and the balance is built in.
Here is the simple magic behind the Easy Beet and Goat Cheese Salad — Candied Walnut combo:
Roasted beets bring natural sweetness and that earthy flavor that pairs so well with tangy cheese. Goat cheese adds creaminess and a little bite. Candied walnuts bring crunch and a caramel like sweetness that makes you keep digging in. Then the dressing ties it all together and keeps the salad from feeling flat.
If you want to go all in on the crunch factor, making your own walnuts is worth it. Store bought candied nuts can be overly hard or weirdly sticky. I usually make a batch using this: easy candied walnuts recipe. I snack on half of them while I assemble the salad, so maybe plan for that.
I made this for a little family dinner and everyone asked for the recipe. Even my brother who swears he hates beets went back for seconds. The candied walnuts sold him.
One more thing. This salad is flexible. If you have spinach instead of mixed greens, use it. If you have feta instead of goat cheese, it is still delicious, just a bit saltier and more crumbly. I even rotate in fruit sometimes when I want it extra fresh.
Speaking of that, if you love a fruit twist, you should try this one sometime too: beet salad with spinach mandarin oranges feta. It is bright and sunny, and it is great for potlucks.
How Do You Roast Beets?
Roasting beets is easier than people think. The only annoying part is that they take a little time, but most of that time is hands off.
My simple roasting method
I do this almost the same way every time:
- Heat your oven to 400 F.
- Scrub the beets well. I do not peel them before roasting.
- Trim off the tops and the little root tail, but do not cut too much off.
- Wrap each beet in foil or place them in a baking dish with a tight cover.
- Roast until a fork slides in easily. Small beets can take 40 to 50 minutes, big ones can take closer to 60 to 75.
- Cool a bit, then rub off the skins with a paper towel. They slip right off.
Real life tip: wear gloves if you have them, or use a plastic bag over your hand when peeling. Beets love to stain fingers, cutting boards, and basically your whole personality for the day.
Once they are roasted, slice them into wedges or rounds. I like wedges because they feel hearty and they hold onto dressing really well.
Also, if you are cooking for the week, roast extra beets. They keep well in the fridge and make lunches instantly better. I will toss them into grain bowls, wrap sandwiches, or even beside a comforting dinner like this: easy baked mac and cheese southern stovetop style. It sounds like an odd pairing, but the salad cuts the richness in the best way.
What Type of Salad Dressing is Best for This Salad?
The dressing can be super simple here because the beets and goat cheese are already doing a lot. I usually go with a quick balsamic style dressing because it plays nicely with sweet beets and the candied walnuts.
My go to dressing (no stress version)
I whisk these together in a small bowl or shake them in a jar:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper
That is it. If you want it brighter, add a squeeze of lemon. If you want it a little more savory, add a tiny pinch of garlic powder. If you want it creamier, stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt, but do not overdo it because the goat cheese already brings creaminess.
When I build the salad, I lightly dress the greens first, then layer in beets, goat cheese, and candied walnuts. That way everything does not get weighed down and soggy. If you are serving guests, keep the walnuts off until the last second so they stay crunchy.
Fun optional topping: a few little pieces of candied bacon. I know, I know, but it is insanely good with beets and goat cheese. If you want to try it, this is the method I like: easy candied bacon brown sugar oven baked.
Roasted Beet Salad Nutrition Notes
I am not a dietitian, but I can share the practical nutrition stuff I have learned from making this salad a lot. The main thing is that it is naturally packed with good ingredients, and you can tweak it depending on what you need that day.
Here is what you are generally getting with Easy Beet and Goat Cheese Salad — Candied Walnut:
Beets bring fiber and natural sweetness, so you feel satisfied without needing a ton of extra sugar. Goat cheese</b adds protein and fat, which helps the salad feel filling. Walnuts bring more healthy fats and crunch. If you are watching sugar, you can candy the walnuts lightly or use toasted walnuts instead. If you want more protein, add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas.
One more practical note. If you are sensitive to goat cheese, feta or shaved parmesan both work. If you are dairy free, try a dairy free soft cheese or even avocado for creaminess. The salad will taste different, but it will still be really good.
I also love this salad for entertaining because it covers a lot of bases. It is gluten free as written, and it is easy to adjust for different diets without making a separate dish.
Common Questions
Can I use pre cooked beets?
Yes. The vacuum packed cooked beets save time and they work great. I still prefer roasting for flavor, but pre cooked is totally fair for busy days.
How far ahead can I make this salad?
You can roast the beets up to 4 days ahead and keep them in the fridge. Assemble the salad right before serving, and add the candied walnuts at the end so they stay crunchy.
What greens are best?
Arugula is peppery and super good with beets. Spinach is softer and more mellow. Spring mix works too. Use what you like and what you have.
How do I keep goat cheese from crumbling weirdly?
Chill it first, then slice or crumble. If it is too soft, it smears instead of crumbling. A small spoon also helps you drop little pieces over the salad.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, just keep components separate. Greens in one container, beets in another, walnuts in a small bag, dressing in a jar. Combine when you are ready to eat.
A salad you will actually want to make again
If you have been stuck in a salad rut, this Easy Beet and Goat Cheese Salad — Candied Walnut is a really easy way to shake things up. Roast the beets when you have time, keep a jar of dressing ready, and the rest comes together fast. The sweet crunch of walnuts plus creamy goat cheese is one of those combos that never gets old. And if you want another take on the same idea, this recipe for Beetroot Salad with Goats Cheese & Candied Walnuts is also a great read for extra inspiration. Make it once, tweak it to your taste, and I promise you will start craving beets in a way you never expected. 
Easy Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the beets well without peeling.
- Trim the tops and roots off, then wrap each beet in foil or place them in a covered baking dish.
- Roast the beets until a fork slides in easily, about 40 to 75 minutes depending on size.
- Allow them to cool slightly, then rub off the skins using a paper towel.
- Slice the roasted beets into wedges or rounds.
- In a small bowl or jar, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Lightly dress the mixed greens with the prepared dressing.
- Layer the roasted beet slices, goat cheese, and candied walnuts on top of the greens.
- Serve immediately, keeping walnuts separate until just before serving if guests are present.
