Earthy roasted vegetables, salty feta, crunchy walnuts, and a lightly sweet maple-balsamic dressing—this salad is hearty enough for a main and elegant enough for guests.
Ingredients
The Salad Base
- 2 large beets, peeled & diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
The Toppings
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup walnut halves (toast for extra flavor)
- 3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Maple–Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roast the Vegetables
Toss beets and sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread in a single layer (keep beets slightly separate to limit color bleeding).
Roast 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and lightly caramelized.
Let cool slightly.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon until smooth and emulsified.
4. Assemble
Transfer warm roasted vegetables to a serving platter or bowl and gently toss together.
5. Garnish & Serve
Top with feta, walnuts, and parsley.
Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
Flavor & Texture Notes
- Sweet & earthy from roasted roots
- Salty creaminess from feta
- Crunch from walnuts
- Bright balance from balsamic and Dijon
Nutrition & Allergy Info
- Vegetarian ✔️
- Gluten-Free ✔️
- Contains nuts ⚠️ (walnuts)
- Nut-free option: Swap walnuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- Dairy-free option: Use vegan feta or omit cheese
Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Roast vegetables and prep dressing up to 3 days ahead. Assemble before serving.
Q: Should I serve it warm or cold?
A: Best warm or room temperature, but it’s delicious chilled too.
Q: Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?
A: Absolutely—goat cheese works beautifully here.
Q: How do I toast walnuts?
A: Toast in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes! Store without dressing up to 4 days in the fridge.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with grilled chicken or salmon
- Serve over arugula for a fuller salad
- Add quinoa or lentils for extra protein
