Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Beets and goat cheese make for a tasty combination in this salad, and the crunch of toasted walnuts adds great texture to the mix.

We tossed this salad together for a Greek dinner party we hosted, but it really makes for the perfect salad course at any dinner celebration. It's a far cry from the expected garden or Cesar salads typically served, and offers up a more complex ingredient pairing guests will truly appreciate.

Ingredients:

1 bag of mixed greens

1 can sliced beets

8 ounces goat cheese

walnuts, toasted

red wine vinaigrette dressing

Directions:

First, toast your walnuts. You can always buy them pre-toasted, but making them at home is simple enough. On a medium-low heat, lightly brown the walnuts in a dry saute pan. Toss occasionally to get an even toast. Remove from the heat and set aside.

When ready to mix your salad, cut your sliced beets into bite-sized pieces, then toss with the mixed greens, goat cheese and toasted walnuts.

You can pre-dress the salad with a red wine vinaigrette dressing, or allow guests to dress their own.

Serves:

6