Roasted Beet & Pear Salad with Feta Recipe

If you’re looking for a salad that beautifully balances earthy sweetness with tangy, creamy notes, the Roasted Beet & Pear Salad with Feta is an absolute must-try. Each forkful is a delightful harmony of tender roasted beets, juicy pears, and crumbly feta, all elevated by a bright balsamic dressing and the crunch of toasted walnuts. This salad isn’t just a side dish – it’s a showstopper that brings color, texture, and fresh flavor to your table, perfect for impressing guests or brightening up a weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Roasted Beet & Pear Salad with Feta lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each playing a key role in crafting an unforgettable flavor experience. From the vibrant beets to the creamy feta and crunchy walnuts, every component adds its own charm and character.

• 3 medium beets (450 g): Peeled and cubed, these provide an earthy sweetness and gorgeous color to the salad.
• 2 ripe pears (300 g): Thinly sliced for juicy sweetness that complements the beets perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml): Used to roast the beets and pears, adding richness and helping caramelize their natural sugars.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances the flavors of the roasted ingredients and seasoning throughout the salad.
• 4 cups mixed greens or arugula (120 g): Provides a fresh, peppery bite that balances the sweetness and creaminess.
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (75 g): Adds a creamy, tangy kick that pairs wonderfully with the roasted produce.
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (30 g): Introduces a satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness to the mix.
• Dressing ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml), 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (15 ml), 1 teaspoon honey (5 ml), salt and pepper to taste – a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Roasted Beet & Pear Salad with Feta

Step 1: Roast the Beets and Pears

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled, cubed beets and sliced pears with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The olive oil not only helps them roast beautifully but also unlocks their natural sugars, making them caramelize lightly. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes until tender but not mushy. The result is a wonderfully sweet and earthy base for our salad.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While the beets and pears roast, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is simple but packs so much flavor, perfectly balancing sweetness and tang to complement the roasted vegetables and fresh greens. Set it aside so the flavors meld as the salad comes together.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once the roasted beets and pears are cool enough to handle, combine them with your mixed greens or arugula in a large salad bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top, then gently toss everything together to coat the leaves evenly. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts on top, adding those delightful bursts of creaminess and crunch. This step brings everything together beautifully – the texture, flavor, and color.

How to Serve Roasted Beet & Pear Salad with Feta

Garnishes

To elevate your Roasted Beet & Pear Salad with Feta even further, consider garnishing with some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint for a pop of green and a fresh aroma. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can add a lovely gloss and a touch more richness. For those who enjoy a bit of zing, a sprinkle of cracked pink peppercorns will make each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken or fish, offering a fresh contrast of flavors. You can also serve it with warm crusty bread or a light soup for a perfect light lunch. Its balance of protein, crunch, and greens also makes it a fantastic vegetarian main course.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the roasted beets and pear slices artfully on a platter layered with greens, then scatter feta and walnuts on top instead of mixing everything together. You can also layer the salad in a clear glass bowl or jar to show off the gorgeous colors in layers – bright red beets, golden pear slices, and green leaves. Around the holidays, adding pomegranate seeds adds a ruby red sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The components of the Roasted Beet & Pear Salad with Feta store well for a day or two separated. Keep the roasted beets and pears in an airtight container in the fridge, and store the greens and dressing separately to keep everything fresh and crisp. When ready to enjoy again, toss them together just like at the start.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The texture of the pears and greens will suffer with freezing, resulting in a less enjoyable mouthfeel. However, you can freeze the roasted beets if you want to prep in bulk, then thaw and assemble when ready.

Reheating

If you wish to enjoy the roasted beets and pears warm, gently reheat them in a low-temperature oven or microwave before tossing with the fresh greens and dressing. Avoid reheating the salad after the dressing, as the greens may wilt and the feta may lose its texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?

While canned beets can be a convenient substitute, fresh beets roasted with pears provide much more vibrant flavor and texture. Canned beets tend to be softer and less flavorful, which can affect the overall balance of the salad.

What type of pears work best for this salad?

Ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Anjou are ideal. They offer a sweet juiciness without becoming mushy when roasted. Avoid overly soft or underripe pears to maintain the salad’s texture.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the feta cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or omit it altogether. You can also add some toasted pecans or almonds for extra richness and crunch.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be whisked together and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good shake or stir before using as the ingredients may separate.

What greens work best in this salad?

Mixed greens or peppery arugula are perfect because they provide a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet beets and pears. You can also use baby spinach or even watercress for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

The Roasted Beet & Pear Salad with Feta is one of those dishes that feels both special and wonderfully approachable. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy that will brighten your meals and impress your friends. I can’t recommend it enough for a fresh spin on salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious – do give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Print