Description
Balthazar’s Beet Salad is a celebrated dish from the renowned New York City bistro, known for its harmonious blend of roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. This salad offers a delightful mix of sweet, earthy, and tangy flavors, making it a favorite among diners.
Ingredients
- 4 medium red beets
- 4 ounces (115g) fresh goat cheese
- 1 cup (100g) walnut halves
- 8 cups (200g) mixed salad greens
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Once done, remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, then peel and cut into wedges.
Toast the Walnuts: While the beets are roasting, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnut halves and toast them until they become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced shallot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad: On a large serving platter or individual plates, arrange the mixed salad greens. Top with the roasted beet wedges, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
Notes
Advance Preparation: The beets can be roasted up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before assembling the salad for the best flavor.
Handling Beets: To prevent staining your hands, consider wearing disposable gloves when handling roasted beets.
Variations: For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the goat cheese with Roquefort or feta cheese. Additionally, adding sliced ripe pears can introduce a sweet contrast to the earthy beets.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 10g
Keywords: balthazar beet salad recipe