Description
A fresh and vibrant Beet and Spinach Salad combining the earthiness of grated beets with sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, and a flavorful homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy meal or side dish, this salad balances textures and flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 2 pears, cored and sliced
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion (or to taste)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, drinking glass, or jar. Stir or shake well until the mixture emulsifies. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar as preferred.
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Peel the beets and remove the ends. Using a box grater, grate the beets finely. Core and slice the pears, chop the red onion, and have the baby spinach ready in a large mixing bowl. Be mindful that the grated beets will color other ingredients pink; to avoid this, toss the salad first and add pears and goat cheese on top separately if desired.
- Assemble the salad: Season the salad ingredients with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all components. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures.
Notes
- The grated beets will tint other ingredients pink; add delicate items like pears and goat cheese last if you want to preserve their color.
- Adjust the dressing sweetness or acidity to suit your palate by varying honey and balsamic vinegar amounts.
- For a more substantial meal, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and extra protein.
- This salad is best eaten fresh and doesn’t hold well for long storage as the beets release moisture.
