Roasted Golden Beet and Green Bean Salad with Harissa Dressing
A vibrant warm salad showcasing sweet roasted golden beets and crisp green beans tossed in a spicy North African harissa dressing. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs beautifully with tangy goat cheese and crunchy pepitas, while agave nectar balances the heat from harissa. Perfect as a healthy lunch or colorful side dish for Mediterranean-inspired dinners. The combination of textures and bold flavors makes this salad satisfying enough to serve as a light main course.
Ingredients
- 3 golden beets, peeled and cut in 1/4 inch piecesred beets1:1vegetarianvegan
same flavor profile
- 1 cup green beans, ends trimmed, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- ⅛ cup pepitas
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts
- 1 ounce goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons harissa
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
Instructions
- 1
Peel beets and cut horizontally into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds, then cut rounds into quarters and place in large bowl
- 2
Cut green beans into 1 to 2 inch pieces and add to bowl with beets and olive oil
- 3
Place coated vegetables on lined baking sheet and roast for 35 minutes
- 4
Combine harissa, white wine vinegar, and agave in small jar and shake
- 5
Toss roasted vegetables in bowl with sliced grape tomatoes, pepitas, and hemp hearts with harissa dressing
- 6
Top with crumbled goat cheese and serve
Tips
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Make sure beet pieces are uniform in size for even roasting and cooking.
The harissa dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Best served at room temperature.
Can be made 1 day ahead. Store dressing separately and toss before serving.
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm as a side dish or light main course.
Common Mistakes
Cut beets uniformly to avoid uneven cooking.
Don't overdress the salad to prevent wilting the vegetables.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
same flavor profile
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular red beets instead of golden beets?
Yes, red beets work perfectly and provide the same earthy sweetness. Golden beets are chosen mainly for their beautiful color contrast.
What if I can't find harissa paste?
Mix 2 teaspoons sriracha with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, or use any spicy red pepper paste as a substitute.
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated. For best texture, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.