We first tasted remolacha when we visited Argentina a few years ago. Before that time I had never tasted roasted beets in a salad. Now it’s quite common, thank goodness. Of course, several decades ago, you couldn’t order any item in a restaurant without the plate appearing with the requisite slice of pickled beet garnish. (I still can’t eat pickled beets from a can.) But give me a salad made from beets like my sister-in laws Beets in a Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette (on this site), and we are talking a completely different story!

And truly, there is nothing better than a fresh from the ground beet roasted with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. A perfect side vegetable. Or mixed with greens, a simple dressing, chèvre or feta, and some nuts for additional flavor and crunch, and you have this salad which is truly fit for a king!

So especially now when beets are literally popping out of the ground and being sold in every farmer’s market in America, give this delicious salad a try. And while you’re at the farmer’s market, you might pick up a container of locally made chèvre to go in your salad. We especially love to use flavored chèvre in this recipe. Our favorite is garlic and basil.

So do yourself a favor. Support your community by buying local, and your own health by choosing organic whenever possible. If this salad doesn’t convince you that beets are a treat, then I don’t know when I’m beat and will retreat from making any further comments on the subject!

• 2 medium sized beets
• 2 tsp. + ¾ c. extra virgin olive oil, divided
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ c. red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 T. finely chopped shallots
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp. kosher salt or more to taste
• freshly ground black pepper
• 8 c. salad greens (I use a combination of romaine, arugula, and spring greens)
• 3 oz. chèvre (goat’s milk) cheese, room temperature (you can use feta if you prefer)
• ½ c. toasted walnut or almond pieces

Remove the tops and the roots of the beets and peel with a vegetable peeler. Cut the beets in bite sized pieces. Place on a baking sheet and toss with the 2 teaspoons olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Roast in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes, turning once or twice with a spatula, until the beets are just tender. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Set aside.

Meanwhile place the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, shallots, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper to taste, and remaining ¾ cup olive oil in a jar. Cover with lid, and shake vigorously to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning, if required.

When ready to serve, place salad greens in a medium sized salad bowl. Add the roasted beets, and enough salad dressing to lightly moisten all of the greens. Gently crumble the chèvre into the bowl along with the nuts. Toss lightly and serve immediately.