Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a salad that feels both super fancy and ridiculously easy, you’re going to love this Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe. The combination of earthy roasted beets, creamy burrata, zesty blood orange slices, and bright basil oil will totally charm your taste buds. I swear, once you try this salad, it’s going to become your go-to for entertaining, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want something fresh yet indulgent.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of roasted beets pairs beautifully with creamy burrata and citrusy orange slices.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Minimal ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish without fuss.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: This salad is as perfect for a casual lunch as it is for a dinner party.
- Fresh Herb Boost: Homemade basil oil adds a vibrant, aromatic touch that lifts the whole salad.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When I first made this Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe, I was amazed at the harmony of the ingredients. Each component shines on its own, but together, they make something truly special. Shopping tip: look for fresh, firm beets and creamy burrata because quality really matters here.
- Red and orange beets: Their natural sweetness and earthy flavor are the base of the salad—roasting them enhances these qualities.
- Burrata balls: Creamy and rich, they add a luscious texture that contrasts perfectly with the beets.
- Blood orange and cara cara orange: These citrus gems bring in bright acidity and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Chopped pistachios: Add crunch and a nutty warmth for texture contrast.
- Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves add an herbal brightness that ties the dish together.
- Flaky sea salt: The perfect finishing touch for seasoning with a texture that enhances each bite.
- Basil oil (basil leaves, olive oil, orange juice, kosher salt): Homemade basil oil infuses the salad with vibrant flavor and a silky finish.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love to switch things up based on the season or what I have on hand. This Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe is super easy to customize, so don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap pistachios for toasted walnuts or pecans—they add a different but equally delicious crunch.
- Dietary modification: If you want to make it vegan, try swapping burrata with a dollop of cashew cream or marinated tofu.
- Seasonal change: During winter, I use blood oranges heavily; in summer, I opt for ripe cara cara or navel oranges for a sweeter twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Beets to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. I wash the beets well, trim the stems, and group the red beets and orange beets separately, loosely wrapping each bunch in foil. Roast them on a baking sheet for about an hour until you can easily pierce one with a sharp knife. If you’re using smaller beets, keep an eye on them—they might be done sooner! Let the beets cool enough so you can handle them, then trim off the tops and bottoms. I find using a small knife to peel the skins works better than rubbing with your hands, especially if they’re still a bit warm. Slice each beet in half, then cut into wedges.
Step 2: Whip Up That Bright Basil Oil
While the beets roast, I like to make the basil oil so I can keep things moving. Toss basil leaves, salt, olive oil, and orange juice into a mason jar or blender. Blend everything until smooth—if it’s too thick, just add a little more orange juice until it reaches a pouring consistency. This oil really brings the salad alive with its fresh, tangy aroma.
Step 3: Assemble Your Gorgeous Salad
I start by laying down slices of blood orange and cara cara orange on a beautiful platter—this base looks stunning and tastes incredible. Then, gently lay the burrata ball(s) right on top. Arrange the roasted beet wedges around everything, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for crunch. Drizzle that luscious basil oil all over, sprinkle some flaky sea salt for that perfect hint of savoriness, and rip fresh basil leaves with your hands right on top. Voilà—the salad is ready to wow your guests or treat yourself!
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe
- Roast Beets Evenly: Wrap beets loosely in foil rather than tightly to allow some steam to escape for a better texture.
- Peeling Made Easy: Use your fingers or paper towels to rub off beet skins after roasting—they come off easily when warm.
- Burrata Freshness: Purchase burrata the day you plan to use it for maximum creaminess and flavor; trust me, it makes a difference.
- Balance Your Citrus: Taste the basil oil before drizzling—add more orange juice if you like it tangier or olive oil if you want it richer.
How to Serve Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick to fresh basil leaves and flaky sea salt as garnishes, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few microgreens for an elegant touch. The pistachios are already in there for crunch, but I love adding that extra freshness when serving.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, like a toasted baguette or sourdough. I also love serving it alongside grilled chicken or baked salmon for a bright, fresh contrast to richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve layered the salad in clear glass bowls to show off those vibrant layers or even served individual portions in small plates garnished with edible flowers for a wow factor. It’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and I hope you do!), store the beet wedges and basil oil separately from the burrata and orange slices in airtight containers. The beets keep well in the fridge up to 3-4 days, but burrata is best fresh.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the burrata and fresh citrus don’t freeze well, and the texture of roasted beets changes after freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored refrigerated briefly.
Reheating
If you want to reheat the roasted beets, do so gently in a low oven or microwave just until warmed, then reassemble the salad fresh with burrata and citrus. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh, which is exactly what you want here!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata offers a creamy, luxurious texture, you can substitute fresh mozzarella for a lighter version or ricotta for a similar creaminess. If you prefer a vegan alternative, try cashew cream or a nut-based cheese.
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How do I know when beets are fully roasted?
Beets are done when you can easily pierce the largest one with a sharp knife or skewer. Depending on size, this usually takes about an hour at 375°F. Smaller beets will cook faster, so test earlier if they look petite.
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Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can roast beets and prepare the basil oil a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the burrata fresh and the oranges juicy.
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Is there a way to peel beets faster?
Yes! After roasting, letting beets cool just enough to handle and then rubbing the skins off with your fingers or a paper towel is my go-to method. The skin usually loosens easily without needing a peeler.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s equally impressive and approachable. Every time I make it, whether for friends or a quiet night in, the blend of colors, textures, and flavors never fails to delight. Give it a whirl—you might just find yourself making this beauty over and over again!
Print
Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad combines sweet roasted beets with creamy burrata cheese, fresh citrus slices, crunchy pistachios, and vibrant basil oil for a refreshing and elegant dish perfect as a light lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 small red beets
- 3 small orange beets, or use all red beets
- 2 burrata balls
- 1 small blood orange
- 1 medium cara cara orange
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
- 2 tablespoons basil leaves, ripped for serving
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Basil Oil
- 1 cup basil leaves, loosely packed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Beets: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Wash the beets thoroughly and trim the stems. Group the red beets together and the orange beets together, then loosely wrap each group in foil, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast Beets: Roast the wrapped beets for about 1 hour or longer until a small sharp knife easily pierces the flesh. Smaller beets will roast faster, so check their tenderness after an hour.
- Cool and Slice Beets: Allow the beets to cool briefly before trimming the tops and bottoms. Peel away the skins with a knife, then slice the beets in half and cut them into wedges.
- Make Basil Oil: While the beets roast, place basil leaves, kosher salt, olive oil, and orange juice into a wide-mouthed jar or blender. Blend with an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add additional orange juice and blend again.
- Assemble Salad: On a serving platter, arrange slices of blood orange and cara cara orange. Lay down the burrata balls in the center. Arrange the beet wedges around the cheese and scatter chopped pistachios over the salad.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the basil oil evenly over the salad. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and garnish with ripped basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose beets that are similar in size for even roasting.
- If you don’t have orange beets, all red beets can be used instead.
- To peel beets easily, you can wear gloves or rub the skins off with a paper towel when warm.
- Burrata cheese should be fresh and at room temperature for the best creamy texture.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the basil oil for vibrant flavor.
- Store roasted beets in the refrigerator and use within 2 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
