Elegant Roasted Beet Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Roasted Beet Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

Prepare to delight in the vibrant flavors of this exquisite Roasted Beet Salad, a recipe from Tyler Florence featured in Family Circle magazine. Perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings, this salad combines tender roasted beets with a creamy blue cheese dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sunny day, this salad is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Beets:

• 4 medium beets
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

• 10 cups arugula
• 1 cup celery leaves
• 1 cup walnut pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beets:

   • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Take two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil and form them into pouches. Place the beets in the pouches and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Seal the pouches tightly to lock in the flavors.
   • Roast the pouches in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the beets are fork-tender.
   • Once the beets are roasted and cool enough to handle, slip off the skins and cut the beets into wedges. For larger beets, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, water, sea salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, toss together the roasted beet wedges, arugula, celery leaves, and walnut pieces.
   • Pour 1 cup of the prepared blue cheese dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
   • Serve the salad immediately, with the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add according to their preference.

Tips for Success

• Selecting Beets: Choose beets that are firm and smooth with no visible cracks. The smaller beets tend to be sweeter and more tender.
• Making Ahead: You can roast the beets and prepare the dressing a day ahead. Just keep them refrigerated and combine everything right before serving.
• Adjusting Flavors: Feel free to add other fresh herbs or spices to the beets or dressing according to your taste.

This Roasted Beet Salad is not only visually appealing with its rich, deep colors, but it also offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. The creamy blue cheese dressing complements the earthy sweetness of the roasted beets, while the crunchy walnuts and fresh arugula add a delightful contrast. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a standout addition to your next potluck or summer gathering.