If you’re looking to brighten up your meal routine with something vibrant, fresh, and downright delicious, this Roasted Beet Noodles with Goat Cheese and Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful dance of earthy roasted beets transformed into delicate, colorful noodles, paired with creamy tangy goat cheese and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. The honey-infused dressing ties everything together with just the right touch of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch or a stunning side, this dish combines simplicity and sophistication in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish unforgettable. Gather these essentials and get ready for an easy, fresh, and flavorful experience.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the earthiness of the beets perfectly.
- Olive oil: Brings richness and smoothness to the dressing, helping it coat the noodles beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar: Offers a bright acidity to lift the flavors and add depth.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness that sharpens the dressing’s complexity.
- Shallot (minced): Provides a gentle onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other ingredients.
- Medium-sized beets: The star of the show, delivering beautiful color and earthy sweetness.
- Crumbled goat cheese: Adds creamy tang and a luscious texture contrast.
- Whole pecans: Popped in for a toasty crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
How to Make Roasted Beet Noodles with Goat Cheese and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect to gently roast the beet noodles, softening them just enough to make a tender yet satisfying bite.
Step 2: Whisk or Shake the Dressing
Combine honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, minced shallot, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a container with a tight lid or a bowl. Give it a vigorous shake or whisk until everything melds into a smooth, harmonious dressing. Place it in the fridge to let those flavors marry while you prepare your beets.
Step 3: Prepare Your Beets for Spiralizing
Trim the ends off your medium-sized beets and peel them carefully to reveal their deep red flesh. Using a spiralizer fitted with Blade C, create gorgeous beet noodles. These long, curly ribbons are what make this recipe so visually stunning and fresh.
Step 4: Roast the Beet Noodles
Lay the beet noodles on a baking sheet lightly coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. Pop the sheet into your preheated oven and roast for just 5 minutes. The short roasting time helps soften the beets while keeping their vibrant color intact.
Step 5: Toss the Noodles with Dressing
Remove your roasted beet noodles from the oven and transfer them gently to a large bowl. Pour the chilled dressing over the warm noodles and toss thoroughly so every strand gets coated with that luscious, tangy-sweet mixture.
Step 6: Finish with Goat Cheese and Pecans
Plate your dressed beet noodles and generously sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and whole pecans on top. The creamy cheese and crunchy nuts add a wonderful contrast in both taste and texture. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Roasted Beet Noodles with Goat Cheese and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make excellent garnishes to add a burst of green color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the flavor and presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light proteins such as grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. You can also complement it with crusty artisan bread to soak up any extra dressing lingering on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the beet noodles in individual shallow bowls for an elegant look, or pile them high on rustic wooden serving boards for a casual, inviting vibe. Adding edible flowers on top can transform this simple recipe into a showstopper at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roasted beet noodles with goat cheese and pecans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, although the nuts are best added fresh before serving to maintain their crunch.
Freezing
This particular recipe is best enjoyed fresh due to the texture of the beet noodles and the fresh goat cheese. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and flavor once thawed.
Reheating
If you’d like to warm the beet noodles slightly, gently heat them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving as it can make the noodles soggy. Add goat cheese and pecans fresh after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or toasted almonds can be delicious alternatives that still provide a wonderful crunch and complement the creamy goat cheese wonderfully.
Do I have to roast the beet noodles? Can I eat them raw?
You can eat beet noodles raw if you prefer a crunchier texture and earthier flavor, but roasting slightly softens them and brings out their sweetness, creating a more balanced dish.
What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
Thinly slicing the beets with a mandoline or sharp knife into ribbons works as a great substitute. Just be careful and take your time for safety and uniform thickness.
Is goat cheese the best choice for this recipe?
Goat cheese adds a lovely tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the beets and pecans, but you can experiment with feta or ricotta salata if you want a different twist.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Yes! The recipe scales up beautifully. Just make sure your spiralizer can handle the volume or prepare the noodles in batches for even roasting and dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Beet Noodles with Goat Cheese and Pecans Recipe has become one of those dishes I can’t wait to share because it’s so vibrant, simple to prepare, and packed with amazing flavors and textures. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate—fresh, colorful, and satisfying without being heavy. Give it a try and watch how this humble beet transforms into your new favorite dish that’s as joyful to eat as it is to make.
Print
Roasted Beet Noodles with Goat Cheese and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant and healthy recipe features roasted beet noodles tossed in a tangy honey-Dijon dressing, topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for a light lunch or side salad.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 4 tsp honey
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 4 tsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp shallot, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Noodles
- 2 medium-sized beets
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup whole pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to prepare for roasting the beet noodles.
- Prepare Dressing: In an airtight container or a bowl, combine honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, salt, and pepper. Shake well or whisk to blend thoroughly. Refrigerate until needed.
- Spiralize Beets: Trim the ends off the beets and peel their skin. Use a spiralizer fitted with Blade C to spiralize the beets into noodle-like strands, similar to preparing zucchini noodles.
- Roast Beets: Arrange the beet noodles on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to soften and deepen their flavor.
- Toss with Dressing: Remove the roasted beet noodles from the oven and transfer them to a bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the noodles and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the dressed beet noodles and sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and whole pecans on top. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Use fresh, firm beets for the best texture and flavor.
- To speed up preparation, use pre-cooked beets if desired, but adjust roasting time accordingly.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
- The dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
