Roasted Beet Salad with Burrata Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that feels both indulgent and fresh, the Roasted Beet Salad with Burrata is a gem you must try. This vibrant dish brings together the earthy sweetness of perfectly roasted beets with the creamy richness of burrata cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The addition of toasted nuts and fresh herbs lifts the salad to something truly special, making it a brilliant starter or a light but satisfying meal. Every forkful is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe highlights how a few simple and fresh ingredients can make a stunning dish. Each plays a key role: the beets add earthy sweetness and vibrant color, the burrata brings a creamy luxury, and the nuts add a satisfying crunch that keeps every bite interesting.

• 4 medium beets, peeled and cut into wedges: Choosing fresh, firm beets ensures a sweet, tender roast.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps roast the beets to caramelized perfection while enhancing flavor.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that complements the beets beautifully.
• 1 cup mixed salad greens or arugula: Offers a fresh, peppery base that contrasts the creaminess of burrata.
• 2 balls burrata cheese: The star of the dish, creamy and indulgent without overpowering other flavors.
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pistachios, roughly chopped: Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty depth.
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs bring brightness and an herbal note.
• Optional Dressing: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze or vinegar whipped together to drizzle.

How to Make Roasted Beet Salad with Burrata

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Beets

Begin by peeling and cutting the beets into wedges. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for simple seasoning. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking tray so they roast evenly. Roasting at 200°C (400°F) for 30 to 35 minutes softens the beets and brings out their natural sugars, creating lightly caramelized edges that add a wonderful depth to the salad.

Step 2: Let the Beets Cool Slightly

Once roasted, allow the beets to cool for a few minutes. This step is important because serving them too hot can cause the burrata to melt excessively, and slightly cooled beets combine more gently with the fresh greens and cheese.

Step 3: Arrange the Salad Base

Place your mixed greens or peppery arugula on a large serving platter. These leafy greens serve as the crisp foundation that offsets the creaminess and earthiness of the other components.

Step 4: Add Roasted Beets and Burrata

Scatter the roasted beets evenly over the bed of greens. Tear the burrata cheese gently with your hands or a knife and nestle it on top of the salad. The soft, milky cheese creates a luscious contrast and brings a sophisticated touch to this simple salad.

Step 5: Garnish with Nuts and Herbs, Then Dress

Sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pistachios and fresh basil or parsley over the salad for texture and bursts of freshness. If you love a bit of extra sweetness and acidity, whisk together the optional dressing ingredients — olive oil, honey, and balsamic glaze — and lightly drizzle over the salad just before serving.

How to Serve Roasted Beet Salad with Burrata

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a pop of vibrant color and a garden-fresh aroma that feels right at home with the earthy beets. Toasted nuts not only lend crunch but introduce a deep, nutty flavor that rounds out the creamy burrata.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up any creamy burrata goodness and dressing puddles. It also complements light proteins like grilled chicken or fish beautifully, making it a versatile option for lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, consider serving this salad on a rustic wooden board or a bright white platter to let the beet’s magenta color shine. You can also layer the salad components in small glass jars for a chic picnic or party presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the roasted beets and salad greens separately in airtight containers. Burrata is best kept chilled and served fresh but can be covered tightly in the fridge for up to a day. Keep nuts and herbs dry until ready to serve to maintain crispness.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the Roasted Beet Salad with Burrata, as burrata’s creamy texture and fresh greens do not freeze well and will lose their integrity upon thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover roasted beets warm, gently reheat them in the oven or a skillet. Avoid microwaving burrata—if kept chilled, it’s best served fresh to preserve its creamy, delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?

Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be substitutes, though burrata’s creamy interior is unique and adds a luxurious texture you can’t quite replicate.

Should I peel the beets before roasting?

Peeling the beets before roasting helps the seasoning penetrate better and makes for a smoother texture, but you can roast them unpeeled and slip the skins off afterward for less prep.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Walnuts and pistachios both add delightful crunch and flavor, but toasted pecans or almonds would also be delicious alternatives.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the simple dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just whisk again before drizzling to recombine any separated ingredients.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

The roasted beet base is vegan-friendly, but since burrata is a dairy cheese, it’s not suitable as is. Using plant-based cheese or omitting the cheese entirely keeps it vegan.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about the Roasted Beet Salad with Burrata—it’s fresh yet indulgent, simple yet impressive. The combination of roasted sweet beets, creamy burrata, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs creates an unforgettable flavor experience that’s perfect for anytime you want a salad that feels truly special. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as irresistible as I do.