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Fresh Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad

fresh roasted beet and arugula salad - featured image

A vibrant and healthy salad featuring smoky-sweet roasted beets, peppery arugula, and creamy whipped ricotta. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant starter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium fresh red beets (about 1 pound / 450 g), scrubbed and trimmed
  • 4 cups arugula (about 120 g), washed and dried
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (about 250 g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful of chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the beets clean, trim the greens, and wrap each beet individually in foil.
  2. Roast the beets for about 40-50 minutes until a skewer or knife slides in easily. Let cool slightly.
  3. Peel the beets once cool enough to handle by rubbing the skins off gently.
  4. Cut the beets into bite-sized wedges or slices.
  5. Drain excess liquid from the ricotta using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for about 10 minutes.
  6. Whip the ricotta in a food processor or with a hand mixer until smooth and airy (about 2-3 minutes), adding a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil while whipping.
  7. In a large bowl, toss the arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Assemble the salad by layering the dressed arugula on a serving plate, arranging the roasted beet wedges on top, dolloping with whipped ricotta, and sprinkling with fresh herbs and flaky sea salt.
  9. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast.

Notes

Wrap beets tightly in foil to trap steam and ensure even roasting. Drain ricotta well before whipping to avoid watery texture. Whip ricotta until fluffy for best creaminess. Use fresh arugula for crispness. Salad is best served immediately but can be prepped ahead by roasting beets up to 2 days in advance and whipping ricotta fresh before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted beet salad, arugula salad, whipped ricotta, healthy lunch, easy salad recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free