Description
This Roasted Beets with Oranges and Whipped Goat Cheese recipe offers a delightful combination of earthy roasted beets, bright citrusy mandarin oranges, and creamy whipped goat cheese infused with fresh herbs. Topped with crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds, it makes an elegant and flavorful salad perfect for a healthy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Beets
- 1 ½ pounds beets (about 7-8 medium beets)
- 4 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons honey (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Whipped Goat Cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) goat cheese log (broken into 1-ounce chunks)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
Other Ingredients
- 2 mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the beets.
- Prepare Beets for Roasting: Rinse and trim the ends from the beets. Rub them with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sprinkle the cut sides with ¼ teaspoon salt. Wrap the beets securely in two foil packets, then place the packets on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender.
- Peel and Cut Beets: Once the beets have cooled enough to handle, carefully peel off their skins. Cut the peeled beets into 1-inch wedges.
- Toss Beets with Seasoning: Transfer the beet wedges to a large bowl and toss them with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Chill the seasoned beets until ready to serve.
- Make Whipped Goat Cheese: In a small food processor or blender, combine the goat cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, finely chopped thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice. Pulse 5 to 10 times, then blend for 10 to 20 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy, being careful not to over-blend to avoid a runny texture.
- Assemble the Salad: Spread the whipped goat cheese evenly on a serving platter. Top with the roasted beets and mandarin orange segments without tossing them together to prevent color bleeding. Sprinkle with finely chopped roasted pumpkin seeds and additional thyme. Optionally, finish with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Be careful not to mix the orange segments directly with the beets as the beet juice may bleed onto the oranges and affect presentation.
- Roasting the beets in foil packets helps them cook evenly and retain moisture.
- The whipped goat cheese can be made ahead and chilled until needed for convenience.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add a fantastic aroma and flavor to the goat cheese but can be adjusted based on your preference.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor; feel free to substitute with toasted pine nuts or walnuts if desired.
