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15-Minute Steamed Beet Arugula Salad

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:

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

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!

Expert tips

Frequently asked questions

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:

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.
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4.38 from 16 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
Total Time15 minutes
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

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