Beet Salad Without Goat Cheese: 3 Surprising Pairings That Work
Move over goat cheese—beetroot is ready to shine without it.
While creamy chèvre and roasted beets are a classic combo, it’s far from the only way to enjoy this vibrant root. Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for something new, these beet salad recipes without goat cheese offer bold flavour, contrast, and colour—without the usual suspects.
Let’s break away from the expected.
This beet salad recipe pairs beautifully with mezze classics like muhammara.
🥗 Why Skip the Goat Cheese?
Although delicious, goat cheese can overpower the natural sweetness and earthiness of beets. By skipping it, you:
- Let other flavours shine (like citrus, tahini, or crunch)
- Avoid dairy—great for vegan, paleo, and plant-based diets
- Open the door to unusual but delicious combinations
Ready to rethink beet salad? Here are three unexpected (and stunning) recipes.
🍊 1. Beet & Orange Salad with Pistachios and Mint
Flavour profile: bright, citrusy, herbaceous
Perfect for: brunch, winter dinner parties
Ingredients:
- 3 medium roasted beets, sliced
- 2 oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
- ¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 10 leaves fresh mint
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses or balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Layer sliced oranges and beets on a plate.
- Drizzle with olive oil and molasses.
- Sprinkle pistachios and mint leaves over the top.
- Add a touch of salt and serve slightly chilled.
Why it works: Orange adds acidity, mint brings lift, and pistachios deliver crunch—making it refreshing and elegant.
🧄 2. Tahini Beet Salad with Roasted Chickpeas
Flavour profile: creamy, nutty, smoky
Perfect for: vegan mains, mezze boards
Ingredients:
- 3 beets, roasted and cubed
- ½ cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Water to thin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Roast chickpeas in olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika until crisp (about 25 mins at 180°C).
- Mix tahini, lemon, maple, garlic and water to make a dressing.
- Toss beets with tahini dressing, top with roasted chickpeas.
- Finish with a sprinkle of cracked pepper.
Why it works: The tahini brings richness without dairy, and the smoky chickpeas act as both crunch and protein.
🥒 3. Beet & Cucumber Salad with Labneh Swirl
Flavour profile: cool, tangy, vibrant
Perfect for: summer BBQs, mezze plates
Ingredients:
- 2 roasted golden beets, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced into ribbons
- 3 tbsp labneh (use coconut yoghurt for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp za’atar spice
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions:
- Spread labneh on a plate in a swoosh.
- Layer beet slices and cucumber ribbons on top.
- Sprinkle dill, zest, and za’atar.
- Finish with olive oil and extra lemon if desired.
Why it works: The coolness of cucumber and tang of labneh balance the sweetness of beets—no cheese required.
🍽️ How to Prep Beets Like a Pro
Whether you roast, boil, or pickle them, prepping beets well is key:
| Method | Pros | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Roasting | Deepens sweetness, keeps colour | 40–50 mins |
| Steaming | Quick and tender | 25–30 mins |
| Pickling | Sharpens flavour, adds longevity | 1–2 days |
| Raw | Crisp, great shaved or spiralised | Immediate |
Tip: Roast extra beets to have on hand all week.
🧠 Flavour Tips to Replace Goat Cheese
Missing the creaminess or tang of goat cheese? Try:
- Tahini or cashew cream for richness
- Lemon juice or zest for acid
- Pickled onions for funk
- Crushed nuts for texture
- Plant-based yoghurt or labneh for cool creaminess
Mix and match to create your own signature beet salad.
🥄 FAQs
1. Can I make beet salad ahead of time?
Yes! Most beet salads store well for 2–3 days in the fridge. Add fresh toppings (like nuts or herbs) before serving.
2. What type of beet is best?
Golden beets are sweeter and less earthy. Chioggia (striped) are beautiful raw. Classic red beets are bold and rich.
3. How do I avoid beet stains?
Wear gloves, or rub lemon juice on your hands and chopping board immediately after handling.
4. Is beet salad good for you?
Absolutely. Beets are rich in fibre, folate, and antioxidants—and pairing them with healthy fats boosts absorption.
5. Can I serve beet salad warm?
Yes! Many beet salads are lovely slightly warm, especially when paired with grains or roasted veg.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Beet salad is so much more than beets and goat cheese. With these unique flavour pairings—from citrus and tahini to crunchy seeds and herbs—you can transform this humble root into an elegant, satisfying dish that stands on its own.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose-free, or just bored of the usual combos, these beet salad ideas will keep things fresh, vibrant, and surprising.
