• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Clean & Delicious logo

  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Recipes
  • Video
  • Food For Thought
    • Intuitive Eating
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • Weight Loss
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
    • Work With Me

Home » Recipes » Lunch » Salad + Dressing » 15-Minute Steamed Beet Arugula Salad

Jun 7, 2019(updated May 12, 2023)

15-Minute Steamed Beet Arugula Salad

4.34 from 15 votes
By Dani Spies
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links.

This healthy, delicious Steamed Beet Arugula Salad comes together in just 15 minutes (hint: I buy my beets pre-steamed at the grocery store!). It’s layered with spicy arugula, pre-steamed beets, raw walnuts, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese; and then simply tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. A fresh and flavorful recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.

Beets tossed with arugula, walnuts and goat cheese.

Beet salad with arugula has been a favorite salad recipe of mine for years. Steamed beets have an earthy flavor with a touch of sweetness, plus they are super nutritious (more on that below!). The arugula provides a light peppery taste, the walnuts add the perfect crunch and the creamy, tangy goat cheese brings everything together.

Reasons why you will love this recipe:

  • Delicious & Versatile: Loaded with nutrient-rich, simple ingredients and tons of flavor, this healthy beet arugula salad recipe is a great main meal to enjoy on its own or accompanied by your favorite protein (I love it with my cast-iron salmon!).
  • Healthy: This salad is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and filled with antioxidants! Simply, omit the cheese to make it vegan.
  • Quick & easy to make: It’s so easy to prepare! You can roast or steam the beets ahead of time, or do what I do and take a shortcut by buying them pre-steamed at the grocery store. Then, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Arugula beet salad with goat cheese and walnuts in a bowl.

Benefits of beets:

Beets are one of my favorite vegetables! I LOVE adding them to salads (have you tried my Beet Quinoa Salad? So good!) and I also make a bright and beautiful Beet Salad Dressing that is to die for! But not only are beets delicious, but they are really nutritious as well!

  1. Good for your heart: Beets are rich in nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to your heart, reducing your risk of heart disease.
  2. Boosts your energy: The nitrates in beets can also improve athletic performance by enhancing oxygen delivery to your muscles, which can increase endurance and reduce fatigue.
  3. Promotes healthy digestion: Beets are a good source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system regular and may also help lower cholesterol levels.
  4. Supports brain health: The antioxidants in beets, particularly betalains, may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, which may benefit brain health and cognitive function.
  5. May reduce inflammation: Beets contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Ingredients needed

  • Arugula: A leafy vegetable known for its fresh, tart, bitter, and peppery flavor. And you don’t have to eat a salad to enjoy this powerful leafy green, we love it in sweet potato quinoa bowls, salmon burgers, and Portobello mushroom sandwiches.
  • Beets: Steamed beets are easy to make at home, or simply buy them already cooked in the produce section of your grocery store.
  • Walnuts: For a delicious nutty crunch packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Dried cranberries: Adds a nice start flavor and chewy sweetness.
  • Goat cheese: Crumbled goat cheese provides a mild, tart creaminess that ties everything together.
  • Balsamic vinaigrette dressing: This is easy to whisk together with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, crushed garlic, and salt & pepper.
Ingredients for making beet salad portioned out into small servings.

How to make this recipe

This beet and arugula salad is surprisingly easy to make. Here’s the simple method:

  1. Combine the salad ingredients: Start by piling a bunch of arugula into a large bowl and then top with steamed (or roasted) beets, walnuts, dried cranberries, and goat cheese.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small spouted cup or mason jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake to combine.
  3. Dress the salad & serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss together. Adjust seasonings, serve, and enjoy!

Steamed beets, arugula, goat cheese and walnuts added to a large bowl.
Pouring dressing over salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Tossing beet salad together with tongs.

Expert tips

  • To save time, buy the arugula pre-washed. 
  • To truly enjoy this as a 15-minute recipe, buy pre-steamed beets in the produce section of the grocery store. It’s a great way to enjoy beets when you don’t have the extra time to roast or steam them yourself. If you can’t find them, steam your beets ahead of time to keep this recipe quick and easy.
  • Beets can easily stain your hands and whatever else they touch. It’s a good idea to wear plastic gloves when handling them.
  • Be sure not to dress the salad until you are ready to eat it. Arugula is a delicate green and will wilt quickly if the salad sits too long in the dressing.
  • You may not need to use all the dressing for the salad, so be sure to store the extra in an airtight container. This balsamic vinaigrette works on all types of salads, so having some extra on hand is super convenient.

Frequently asked questions

What pairs well with beets?

Beets pair well with a variety of foods. They are great with the arugula and goat cheese in this recipe and they also taste good with other root vegetables like carrots, onion, or radishes, as well as other greens like cabbage, celery, scallions, cucumber, spinach, and avocado.

What is the best way to eat beets?

Fresh, raw beets can be peeled and finely grated into salads for color or used as a garnish for soup and other meals. However beets are most often served roasted, boiled or steamed and cut into thin slices, cubes or chunks.

Variations

We love this arugula salad recipe as written, but it’s very flexible and easy to change up depending on what ingredients you have in your kitchen. Here are some options:

  • Greens: Not a fan of arugula? Any greens will work in this salad, from chopped romaine to baby spinach or a spring mix.
  • Nuts: Try toasting your nuts for extra flavor and use any nuts you like. Pecans, pistachios, or almonds are all great choices. Feel free to leave the nuts out if you have a nut allergy or just don’t prefer them.
  • Cranberries: Raisins are a great substitute for dried cranberries. They both have a similar shape, flavor, and texture.
  • Cheese: Feta cheese is a great substitute for goat cheese and doesn’t have such a strong flavor. You can also keep this dairy-free by omitting the cheese.
Arugula salad with steamed beets and goat cheese in a bowl.

Storage recommendations

To get a head start, you can make the dressing in advance and then store it in an airtight container (a mason jar would be perfect) so everything is ready to go.

storage tip: If you plan to have leftover salad, store the dressing on the side and then put any leftover beet salad in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days.

Beets tossed with arugula, walnuts and goat cheese.
Print Recipe
4.34 from 15 votes

15-Minute Steamed Beet Arugula Salad

If you want to keep this salad dairy free, skip the cheese and add in some Kalamata olives. The olives will give you the same rich, buttery, salty flavor. This recipe serves two as a main meal or four as a side.
Course: LUNCH, salad + dressing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Author: Dani Spies
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 329kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 cups arugula 5 ounces
  • 6 small COOKED beets 9 ounces, halved and sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 ounces goat cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine arugula, beets, walnuts, cranberries and goat cheese.
    Steamed beets, arugula, goat cheese and walnuts added to a large bowl.
  • In a small spouted cup or mason jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine.
    Whisking dressing in a spouted measuring glass.
  • Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss together. Adjust seasonings, serve and enjoy!
    Beets tossed with arugula, walnuts and goat cheese.

Notes

This salad makes a great light meal all on it’s own and is also delicious served as a side for some grilled, chicken, or fish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1salad | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 295IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Gluten Free, Low Carb + Keto, Recipes, Salad + Dressing, Vegetarian

About Dani Spies

Dani Spies is the founder and host of Clean & Delicious; a weekly cooking show on YouTube and a healthy eating blog that celebrates real, whole foods! She takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and is loved for her approachable, down to earth style both in and out of the kitchen.

Learn MoreWork With Me

Reader Interactions

Yum! I love this recipe.

    Leave a review Cancel reply

    If you loved this recipe please leave a comment and star rating below. Questions are also welcome. Cheers!

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. spoonthat.com says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    5 stars
    Looks great! Really fresh, springy and colourful!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      March 24, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks!

      Reply
  2. casey says

    March 26, 2011 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    ha! you’re too cute. the beets came back and stole the show. excited to do this recipe.

    Reply
  3. Jade says

    March 27, 2011 at 3:55 am

    5 stars
    This new layout looks as refreshing as the salad! It moved to the new level too!

    Reply
  4. Amy says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    5 stars
    Love this salad with toasted whole pecans too….yum!

    Reply
  5. Jessie A Georges says

    May 26, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    5 stars
    I love this salad! We omitted cranberries and used ready made beets, which you can get at Costco or Trader Joes. Delicious!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Dani.

I’m a Health, Wellness & Weight Loss Coach, Mom of two, and the Founder of Clean & Delicious®. I’ll show you how to make healthy eating CRAZY-easy and insanely DELICIOUS!

Learn more

Stay Connected

Never Miss a Recipe

Sign up for free recipes straight to your inbox.

Reader Faves

shrimp and green beans on small plate with fork

Roasted Shrimp and Green Beans

meatloaf muffins on plate

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Brussels Sprouts + Grapes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes | Healthy Holiday Side Dish

Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats - Clean & Delicious®

Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

Baked Chicken And Potatoes

apple-protein-muffins

Apple Protein Muffins

Seasonal Picks

spinach frittata in cast iron pan

Spinach Frittata

warm blueberry crisp with vanilla ice-cream

Healthy Blueberry Crisp (Gluten-Free Recipe!)

open-faced fish taco on white plate

Easy Fish Tacos

healthy foods

10 Healthy Fridge Staples

blueberry oatmeal muffin cup

Baked Blueberry Lemon Oatmeal Muffin Cups

steamed beets in a white bowl

Simply Steamed Beets

My Ebooks

photo of salad and ice cream ebook

Search

As Featured On

Footer

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe to get new recipes + tips via email plus my BONUS smoothie making guide!

  • Recipes
  • Food For Thought
  • Shop
  • About
  • Work With Me

© 2023 Clean & Delicious. Privacy Policy

Jump on the Interest List for My New Course:

The Don’t Diet