If you are searching for something bright, delicious, and packed with contrasting flavors, look no further than this Refreshing Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe. It beautifully combines the earthiness of roasted beets with the lush creaminess of burrata cheese, accented by vibrant notes from fresh herbs, citrusy orange slices, and crunchy pistachios. This salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a joyful journey for your palate, balancing textures and tastes with effortless elegance. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something fresh and healthy, this recipe is guaranteed to become a treasured favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each bring an essential element to the dish. From the tender roasted beets to the creamy burrata and the bright bursts of citrus, every component plays a vital role in delivering a sophisticated and refreshing salad experience.
- 4 medium beets (approx. 500g), red or golden: Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and tenderizes them perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A quality olive oil adds richness and helps marry all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural tastes of the ingredients.
- 2 balls of burrata cheese (approx. 200g total): This fresh cheese is creamy and indulgent, creating a heavenly contrast to the earthy beets.
- ¼ cup pistachios, toasted and chopped: Adds wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the softness of the cheese.
- 1 orange, peeled and sliced: Infuses the salad with juicy citrus brightness, perfectly cutting through the richness.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn: Offers a fragrant herbal lift and vivid color.
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped: Introduces a refreshing note that brightens up the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze: Adds a sweet-tart glaze that intensifies the roasted beet flavor.
- Optional: microgreens or arugula for serving base: Provides an extra layer of freshness and a peppery bite if you like.
How to Make Refreshing Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Beets to Perfection
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the beets carefully, trim off any greens, and wrap each beet individually in foil. This wrapping technique traps moisture, ensuring the beets steam inside and come out perfectly tender. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Roasting deepens the natural sweetness of the beets, creating a warm and earthy base for your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Beets After Roasting
Once the beets are roasted and slightly cooled, you’ll want to remove their skins. The easiest way to do this is by rubbing the skins off gently with a kitchen towel or with your hands (wear gloves if you want to avoid staining). After peeling, slice them into wedges or rounds depending on your presentation preference. The tender, vibrant beets will shine on your salad plate, providing both color and substance.
Step 3: Toast and Chop Pistachios
While your beets roast or cool, take a dry skillet and toast the pistachios over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Toasting awakens their rich, nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch. Once toasted, chop them coarsely to scatter over the salad. This simple step elevates the texture and makes the salad more exciting to eat.
Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Peel and slice the orange carefully, making sure to remove any white pith, which can taste bitter. Tear the fresh basil leaves and chop the mint finely; these herbs infuse your salad with freshness and bright herbal notes that cut through the richness of the cheese. Having all these ingredients ready will make assembly a breeze.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
On a beautiful platter, arrange the sliced roasted beets as the canvas of your salad. Place the burrata cheese balls either whole in the center or gently tear them into chunks and scatter around for maximum creaminess in every bite. Add the orange slices strategically, then sprinkle the toasted pistachios and fresh herbs on top. If you wish, add a handful of microgreens or arugula as a peppery, leafy base to complement the flavors. Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and finish with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Serve at room temperature to let all the flavors shine.
How to Serve Refreshing Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To truly make this salad your own, experiment with garnishes like edible flowers, extra fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. A few drops of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving add a luxurious, fruity aroma. These small touches make the salad feel special and invite your guests to savor every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or warm flatbreads to scoop up the creamy burrata and tangy glaze. If you’re serving it alongside a main course, consider grilled chicken, fish, or even a light pasta to balance the freshness and richness. The refreshing qualities make it an ideal starter or a light accompaniment on a warm day.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow your guests visually, try serving individual portions layered in clear glass jars or on small plates with an artistic drizzle of balsamic glaze. You could also use colorful heirloom beet varieties for a stunning presentation that adds pops of color on your platter. Allowing the salad’s natural vibrancy to shine is part of its charm and appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the best texture, consider keeping the burrata separate until just before serving to prevent it from becoming too watery.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, especially because burrata and fresh herbs do not freeze well and will lose their texture and flavor. The beets themselves can be frozen if pre-cooked and peeled, but fresh assembly offers the best experience.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the roasted beets warm, you can gently reheat them in a low oven or microwave, but avoid heating the burrata. Instead, add the cheese fresh after warming the beets to keep that creamy texture intact. The salad is delightful at room temperature or slightly chilled for an extra refreshing touch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beets in this salad?
Absolutely! Both red and golden beets work beautifully in this recipe. Mixing the two adds lovely color contrast and subtle flavor differences that make the salad even more visually and tastefully exciting.
What can I substitute for burrata cheese if I can’t find it?
Fresh mozzarella or ricotta salata can be used as alternatives, though they won’t have quite the same creamy texture. Burrata offers a uniquely luscious creaminess that really elevates this salad, so if possible, seek it out for the best result.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version by omitting the burrata and adding extras like avocado slices or marinated tofu to provide creaminess. Toasted nuts and herbs will still make the salad flavorful and satisfying.
How do I prevent the beet juice from staining everything?
Wearing gloves while peeling and slicing the beets helps greatly. Additionally, handling them gently and wiping surfaces immediately after use minimizes beet juice stains on your hands and kitchenware.
Can this salad be served cold or does it have to be room temperature?
This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or at room temperature. Serving at room temperature allows all the flavors to bloom, but chilling it slightly on a hot day is wonderfully refreshing.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making and savoring the Refreshing Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe. Its vibrant colors, lively textures, and bright flavors make it feel like a celebration on every plate. Whether you’re serving a casual lunch or a special dinner, this salad invites you to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and fresh. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become one of your go-to dishes for adding beauty and brightness to any meal.
Print
Refreshing Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing roasted beet and burrata salad featuring tender roasted beets, creamy burrata cheese, toasted pistachios, fresh herbs, and sweet orange slices, all drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Beets
- 4 medium beets (approx. 500g), red or golden
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Nuts
- 2 balls of burrata cheese (approx. 200g total)
- ¼ cup pistachios, toasted and chopped
Fruits and Herbs
- 1 orange, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
Extras
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Optional: microgreens or arugula for serving base
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the beets thoroughly.
- Prepare Beets: Wash the beets, trim any greens, then wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil to lock in moisture while roasting.
- Roast Beets: Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes until they are fork-tender, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool Beets: Remove the beets from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling and peeling.
- Peel Beets: Rub off the beet skins gently with a paper towel or use gloved hands to remove the skins without damaging the tender flesh.
- Slice Beets: Slice the peeled beets into wedges or rounds according to your preference for presentation.
- Toast Pistachios: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pistachios for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned, then chop them coarsely.
- Prepare Orange: Peel and slice the orange into thin rounds or segments to add freshness and a citrusy sweetness to the salad.
- Prepare Herbs: Tear the fresh basil leaves and chop the mint leaves to release their aromatic flavors.
- Assemble Base: Arrange the sliced beets evenly on a serving platter as the salad’s base layer.
- Add Burrata: Place the burrata cheese in the center of the platter or tear it into chunks and distribute it among the beets for creamy bursts.
- Add Orange and Nuts: Arrange the orange slices on the salad and sprinkle the toasted chopped pistachios evenly over the top.
- Add Herbs and Greens: Scatter the torn basil, chopped mint, and optional microgreens or arugula around the salad to add freshness and color.
- Dress Salad: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the entire salad to enhance the flavors and add a glossy finish.
- Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, serving the salad at room temperature for optimal flavor combination.
Notes
- Roasting time may vary depending on beet size; check for fork tenderness after 45 minutes.
- Use foil-wrapping to ensure beets retain moisture and roast evenly.
- To remove beet stains from hands, rub with lemon juice or wear gloves when peeling.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang, but you can substitute with balsamic vinegar if unavailable.
- Optional microgreens or arugula can be used to add a peppery flavor and vibrant presentation.
