This vibrant, nutrient-dense salad combines earthy roasted beets, protein-rich lentils, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a flavorful, high-fiber dish that’s perfect as a light meal or hearty side.
Prep Time:5 minutesmins
Cook Time:35 minutesmins
Total Time:40 minutesmins
Equipment
baking sheet
parchement paper or aluminim foil
saucepan
mixing bowl
whisk or mason jar with lid
cutting board
kitchen knife
Ingredients
2medium beetspeeled and diced
1tbspolive oil
1cupcooked lentilsor 1/2 cup dry lentils, rinsed and cooked
4cupsarugula or mixed greens
2ozgoat cheesecrumbled
1/4cupwalnutschopped and toasted
2tbspolive oil
1tbspbalsamic vinegar
1tspDijon mustard
1/2tsphoney or maple syrupoptional
Salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the diced beets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until tender. Set aside to cool. ***See alternate roasting instructions.
Cook the Lentils (if using dry lentils): While the beets are roasting, cook lentils in a saucepan with water according to package instructions, about 15-20 minutes, until tender. Drain and let cool.
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), and salt and pepper.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula or mixed greens, roasted beets, cooked lentils, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
Add Goat Cheese: Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese and a final sprinkle of walnuts, if desired. Serve immediately.
***Alternate roasting instructions for beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the beets, but leave whole. Place beets on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the beets and seal the beets in the foil. Roast the beets for 45 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before handling. Remove the skin with a paring knife and dice.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Information per serving:Calories: 191Fat: 16gProtein: 6gCarbohydrates: 6g
Course: dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: arugula and beet salad, balsamic vinaigrette salad, blood sugar balanced salad recipe, goat cheese and walnut salad, healthy lentil salad, high protein beet salad, roasted beet and lentil salad, seasonal winter salad, vegetarian high fiber salad, winter salad recipe