Description
This Autumn Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad is a beautiful mix of sweet roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh greens all tossed with a tangy balsamic maple dressing. It’s colorful, nourishing, and perfect for fall gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
2 medium beets, peeled and diced
2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
2 cups baby arugula or spinach
½ cup crumbled goat cheese
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Balsamic Maple Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
½ tsp minced garlic (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized. Let cool slightly.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
4. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, roasted beets, arugula (or spinach), red onion, walnuts, and goat cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
5. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled — perfect as a healthy side dish or a light main course.
Notes
🍂 Tips:
– For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese.
– Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
– Best served the same day but can be stored up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Salad, Pasta, Fall Recipes
- Method: Roasted, Mixed
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Roasted Beet Pasta Salad, Goat Cheese Salad, Fall Pasta Recipes, Healthy Salad Ideas, Balsamic Maple Dressing