Ingredients

1 ½ pounds beets (about 7-8 medium beets)

4 teaspoons olive oil (divided)

2 tablespoons honey (divided)

¾ teaspoon salt (divided)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 (8-ounce) goat cheese log (broken into 1-ounce chunks)

2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme (plus more for serving)

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (plus more for serving)

1 teaspoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

2 mandarin oranges (peeled and segmented)

2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Rinse and trim the ends from the beets. Rub them with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sprinkle the cut sides with ¼ teaspoon salt. Wrap the beets in two foil packets and place on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the beets are fork-tender.

Step 4: Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and cut the beets into 1-inch wedges.

Step 5: Transfer the beet wedges to a large bowl. Toss with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 6: For the whipped goat cheese, add the goat cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice to a small food processor or blender.

Step 7: Pulse 5–10 times, then blend for 10–20 seconds until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-blending to prevent the mixture from becoming runny.

Step 8: Spread the whipped goat cheese on a serving platter. Arrange the roasted beets and orange segments on top. Be careful not to toss the oranges with the beets to avoid color bleeding.

Step 9: Sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds and extra thyme. Finish with a drizzle of honey, if desired, and serve.

Tips & Variations

Roast the beets wrapped in foil to retain moisture and enhance tenderness.

For a nutty crunch, substitute the roasted pumpkin seeds with toasted walnuts or pecans.

Use blood oranges or grapefruit segments for a different citrus twist.

If you don’t have a food processor, whip the goat cheese and yogurt by hand using a fork or whisk until smooth.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or canned beets for this recipe?

While fresh roasted beets offer the best flavor and texture, you can use pre-cooked or canned beets as a shortcut. Just make sure to drain them well and toss with olive oil and honey to add freshness.

What can I substitute for goat cheese if I have a dairy allergy?

You can use a dairy-free cream cheese or a nut-based cheese alternative to maintain the creamy texture. Adding a bit of lemon juice and herbs will help mimic the tangy flavor of goat cheese.