Grilled Beet Flatbread Salad
- Total Time: 1hour
- Yield: 4servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized beets
- 2 flatbreads (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula or spinach)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Wrap the beets in foil and place them on the grill. Grill for 40-45 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender. Once cooked, remove from the grill, unwrap, and let them cool. Peel and slice into thin rounds.
- Drizzle olive oil on the flatbreads and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and lightly charred.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: place the flatbreads as the base, layer with mixed greens, sliced beets, crumbled goat cheese, walnuts, and red onions. Drizzle with the balsamic and honey dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For added protein, consider grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
- Feel free to swap goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or ricotta.
- Other greens like kale or romaine work well too.
- Walnuts can be swapped with pecans, almonds, or pine nuts.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Category: side dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Beet Flatbread Salad is a unique and delightful dish that beautifully blends roasted vegetables with fresh, flavorful toppings. The smoky, sweet flavor of the grilled beets pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese and the crispy flatbread. Plus, the salad is customizable, so you can add or swap ingredients to suit your preferences. It’s a wonderful option for both vegetarians and those looking to add more vegetables to their meals, while still enjoying bold, satisfying flavors. This dish is light yet filling, and it’s easy to prepare—ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 medium-sized beets
- 2 flatbreads (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula or spinach)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Wrap the beets in foil and place them on the grill. Grill for about 40-45 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Once cooked, remove from the grill, unwrap, and let them cool. Peel off the skin and slice the beets into thin rounds.
- While the beets are cooling, drizzle olive oil on the flatbreads and place them on the grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and lightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: Start with the flatbreads as the base, layering them with the mixed greens, sliced beets, crumbled goat cheese, walnuts, and red onions. Drizzle the balsamic and honey dressing over the top.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant and fresh flavors of the salad!
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Total time: 1 hour
- Grill time: 40-45 minutes for the beets
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Assembly time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: For a heartier salad, you can add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even crispy bacon for some extra protein.
- Swap the cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try feta, blue cheese, or even a creamy ricotta.
- Different greens: Swap arugula or spinach with other greens such as kale, mixed greens, or romaine for a different texture and flavor.
- Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, feel free to use toasted pecans, almonds, or pine nuts for some crunch.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. To store:
- Beets: Store any leftover grilled beets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Flatbread: If you have extra flatbread, store it separately in an airtight container to keep it from getting soggy. To reheat, warm the flatbread in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid reheating the entire salad as the fresh greens and cheese won’t hold up well.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought beets instead of grilling them myself?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or canned beets to save time. However, grilling the beets brings out a deeper, smokier flavor that enhances the dish.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components (grill the beets, toast the flatbread, and make the dressing) ahead of time. Just assemble the salad just before serving.
3. What type of flatbread works best for this recipe?
Any flatbread will work, but a thinner, crispy flatbread tends to complement the salad’s textures better. You can use pita bread or naan as an alternative.
4. Can I substitute the goat cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, feta, ricotta, or even cream cheese could be substituted for goat cheese. Choose a cheese that complements the flavors of the beets.
5. What can I substitute for walnuts?
You can substitute walnuts with toasted pecans, almonds, pine nuts, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
6. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this recipe vegan, omit the goat cheese and replace it with a plant-based alternative like cashew cheese or avocado for creaminess.
7. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like roasted carrots, cucumber, or avocado to enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
8. How do I grill the beets properly?
Wrap the beets in foil to prevent them from drying out while grilling. Grill on medium-high heat for about 40-45 minutes, checking for tenderness with a fork.
9. Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using.
10. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flatbread to ensure the dish is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Grilled Beet Flatbread Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to impress with its combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or something to serve at your next gathering, this salad offers vibrant colors and rich flavors that will satisfy every palate. It’s simple to make, and with its endless variations, you can customize it to suit any taste!
