Beets Salad Recipe with Creamy Burrata

This beet salad recipe with creamy burrata is vibrant, simple, and loaded with flavor — perfect for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or a healthy weekday appetizer.

All you need is a handful of ingredients and a little time to roast the beets. The creamy, milky burrata pairs beautifully with the sweet, earthy flavor of the beets. A drizzle of homemade basil oil adds a fresh, herbal note that brings everything together into one stunning, flavorful dish.

The bright red beets make the salad pop visually, while the rich burrata gives it a soft, luxurious texture. Once you try it, you’ll want this salad on repeat — it’s as elegant as it is easy.

What You’ll Need for This Beet Salad with Burrata

• Golden and red beets: Roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, these beets add vibrant color, earthy flavor, and a beautiful contrast to the salad.

• Burrata cheese: Creamy and delicate with a soft, milky center — perfect with roasted beets.

• Fresh basil leaves: Bright, aromatic, and essential for both the salad and the basil oil.

• Basil oil: Adds a fragrant, herbal layer that ties all the ingredients together.

 For the Homemade Basil Oil

• Fresh basil leaves: The star of the oil, packed with fresh, herbal intensity.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Smooth, flavorful base that carries the basil essence.

• Jalapeño: Adds a subtle heat and kick to balance the richness.

• Garlic cloves: Bring warmth and savory depth to the oil.

• Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Beet Salad Recipe

How do you select beets for roasting?

Choose small to medium beets that are about the same size so they roast evenly. Smaller beets are more tender and flavorful. If your beets have greens, don’t toss them — roast the greens with olive oil for a full beet salad experience.

How should I prepare beets for roasting?

Wash and scrub the beets thoroughly to remove dirt. Cut them into large chunks for faster roasting. No need to peel before — once roasted, the skins slip off easily with a paper towel while still warm.

Should I roast or boil my beets?

I personally prefer roasting — it really brings out the natural sweetness of the beets and gives them a tender, slightly caramelized texture. Roasting also helps preserve the beets’ color and flavor, unlike boiling, which can make them a bit mushy and dull the taste.

That said, if you love boiled beets or that’s what you’re used to, go for it! Either method can work, but for this beet salad recipe, roasting really makes it shine.

Pro Tip: When you’re roasting red and golden beets together, be sure to group them separately on the baking sheet. Red beets tend to bleed their color and can stain the golden ones, making them look muddy or discolored. Keeping them apart helps preserve their vibrant, natural colors.

What exactly is burrata cheese?

Burrata is a soft Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It’s creamier and more delicate than regular mozzarella, making it perfect for salads, pastas, and sandwiches.

Can I Customize This Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe?

Definitely! This salad is incredibly flexible and easy to adapt based on what you have or the flavor profile you want.

• Try a different dressing:
  Swap the basil oil for a tahini drizzle and scatter some fresh mint leaves for a creamier, more earthy Middle Eastern flavor.

• Add some crunch:
  Sprinkle toasted pistachios, walnuts, or pine nuts over the top for texture and richness. They pair beautifully with the beets and burrata.

• Cheese alternatives:
  No burrata? Try fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta for a similar creamy or tangy contrast.

• Dressing swaps:
  A citrus vinaigrette or green goddess dressing also works well if you want to change things up.

Feel free to mix and match based on your taste — this salad is a blank canvas for bold flavors!

What to Serve with Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad

This roasted beet and burrata salad makes a vibrant, refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, from Mediterranean classics to cozy Greek-style meals.

• For a Mediterranean-inspired dinner:
  Serve it alongside roasted chicken with za’atar and sumac or oven-baked chicken drumsticks. The creamy burrata and fresh basil oil are a perfect contrast to the warm, fragrant spices in the chicken.

• For a Greek-style spread:
  Pair the salad with ricotta and pea pie or classic moussaka. The salad’s cool, herbaceous flavors help balance out rich, savory dishes.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, putting together a mezze-style platter, or meal prepping for the week, this versatile beet salad adds color, freshness, and elegance to any plate.