A Roasted Beets and Burrata Salad Recipe

Roasted beets and burrata salad is a simple recipe that needs very minimal cooking. All you need to do is prepare and cook the beets! You can also make basil oil to drizzle on top of the salad to give the salad an herbal taste. The basil oil will help the beets and burrata blend in flavor and make one cohesive dish.  The beautiful bright red beets make this salad pop with color. This makes it a beautiful plate for a dinner party or a holiday celebration. The creamy, milky burrata go perfectly with the sweet and mild beets; together, they make a delicious meal. This roasted beets and burrata salad recipe is vibrant, simple, and healthy! Once you try it, you’ll want to have it as an appetizer for every meal. 

How do you select Beets For Roasting?

Pick small or medium beets that are roughly around the same size. You can bake them simultaneously and know all are done by ensuring they are the same size. You will also want to choose smaller beets since they are more tender than larger ones. 

I use red and golden beets with no greens since they are easier to prepare. But if you bought beets with their green still on, don’t discard them. You can use the greens of the beets to make a whole beet salad recipe. Just roast them by drizzling some olive oil and arranging them in the same tray with the beets. Keep an eye on them since they will only take 10 minutes to roast. 

How to Prepare Beets For Roasting?

When you prepare the beets, wash them well since they are root vegetables. You may also want to soak them and use a scrub to remove any remaining dirt. Once they are clean, pat them dry with a towel. 

I cut the beets into large pieces for a faster roasting time. With my methods, you won’t even need to peel the beets. I drizzle some olive oil, cover them with aluminum foil, and roast them for about 35 minutes. I take them out when finished and use a paper towel to slip the skin off easily. This should be done while they are still warm. Removing the skin after roasting the beets is an excellent method, especially if you have difficulty using a peeler.

Roasted Beets vs. Boiled Beets 

While you can roast or boil the beets, I like to roast them since they bring out the natural sweetness. It also helps to preserve the flavor and texture of the beets. When boiling beets, they can get spongy, soggy, and have a diluted taste. Boiling the beets can also remove the color beets.  

What Exactly is Burrata Cheese?

So what is burrata? Some think it is just mozzarella cheese, but it is softer and more flavorful. Burrata is a soft Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It is made with mozzarella cheese and cream, even softer than regular mozzarella. The cheese is delicate and refreshing, making it a common ingredient in pasta, sandwiches, and salads.

Pairing Ideas

This roasted beet and burrata salad is a delicious, refreshing side dish that pairs well with various main courses. For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve the salad next to roasted chicken with zaatar and sumac or an oven-baked chicken drumstick. The fresh basil oil and creamy burrata cheese perfectly complement the warm and fragrant spices of the chicken. For a Greek-inspired meal, serve the salad next to a hearty main dish such as ricotta and peas pie or a classic moussaka. The cool and refreshing flavors of the salad help balance the rich and savory flavors of the main dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile salad will surely be a hit.

Customize Your Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe

If you want to mix things up and make the salad your own, there are plenty of options for dressing and cheese substitutions. For a simple and classic option, try swapping out the basil oil for a tangy vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and olive oil. Or, for a sweeter twist, try a citrus-based dressing, such as orange mandarin vinaigrette. Another great option is a creamy Greek goddess dressing with yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs like dill and parsley.
As for the cheese, if you don’t have burrata on hand, fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta would both work well. Mozzarella has a similar creamy texture to burrata, while feta adds a nice tangy kick to the salad. Feel free to experiment with different cheese options and find the one that suits your taste preferences best. Whatever dressing and cheese you choose, this salad will be a hit at your next summer gathering.