copycat beet salad

One of my most favorite Toronto restaurants is Le Select Bistro and one of the main reasons is their beet salad. They mix golden and red beets, fresh lettuce, crunchy walnuts and top it off with gooey, melted goats cheese. I was always perplexed because the goats cheese I bought at the store didn't have the gooey, melty part surrounding the centre. Well, I found it at the grocery store and now am frequently indulging in my own homemade version. Everything melds nicely in this salad when you take a bite of everything together - the earthiness of the beets, richness of the cheese - it just works. It's also super tasty without feeling heavy or overly unhealthy, which is always a bonus.

{ These beets were already marinated, tossed with orange segments from the store. But you can use a $1 can of beets, chop them up, and toss them in a homemade vinaigrette. Add in a few walnuts for crunch. }

{Frisee lettuce is ideal (because you can bake it without it getting soggy) but use whatever greens you have and toss them lightly to serve on the side }

{ This is the wrapper from the goats cheese I was talking about. If you're a fan of regular goats cheese, this will blow your mind. The flavor is similar but the creamy texture take the cheese to another level }

{ And while I usually try to avoid dessert at lunchtime, when there's leftover homemade chocolate cake in the fridge, you just have to go for it }