Beet the Blues: Two Colorful Salads to Nourish Your Heart and Liver

There’s something magical about beets — vibrant, earthy, and grounding. Whether golden or deep ruby red, they bring a pop of color and a boost of nourishment to your plate.
Beets are known for supporting healthy circulation, detoxification, and liver function, and they make a stunning foundation for salads that are both heart-healthy and full of flavor.

“What we choose to eat is one of the most direct ways we create our reality — nourishment, color, and care on every plate.”

Below are two of my favorite beet salad pairings — each with its own personality and dressing to match.

💛 Golden Beet Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette

Light, elegant, and a little bit sparkly — this salad feels like spring in a bowl.
The golden beets bring a mellow sweetness that pairs beautifully with the delicate tang of champagne vinegar.

Ingredients

  • 4–5 golden beets, steamed or roasted, cooled, peeled, and chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Champagne Vinaigrette (recipe below)
  • 2 Tbsp crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts
  • Optional: a handful of baby greens or arugula

Directions

  1. Toss the chopped beets gently with the Champagne Vinaigrette.
  2. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Top with goat cheese and walnuts before serving.
  4. Serve as is, or over greens for extra freshness.

🥂 Champagne Vinaigrette

A heart-healthy dressing that’s light and crisp.

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp champagne vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey or pure maple syrup
  • ½ small shallot, finely minced (optional)
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Instructions

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and silky. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before using.

❤️ Red Beet Salad with Apple Cider Walnut Vinaigrette

This version celebrates the deeper, earthier side of beets.
Paired with red onion, goat cheese, and walnuts, it’s a satisfying salad that feels grounding and nourishing — perfect for cooler months.

Ingredients

  • 4–5 red beets, steamed or roasted, peeled, and coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Walnut Vinaigrette (recipe below)
  • 2 Tbsp crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 Tbsp walnuts, roughly chopped
  • Optional: serve over a bed of mixed greens

Directions

Add goat cheese and walnuts just before plating.

Toss the beets and onion with the vinaigrette while still slightly warm.

Chill before serving.

🍎 Apple Cider Walnut Vinaigrette

Gentle, earthy, and naturally sweet — no mustard, no citrus.

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1½ Tbsp finely minced shallot or red onion (optional)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ½ tsp walnut oil for a nutty richness

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar and whisk or shake well.
Let it rest 5–10 minutes before using.

🌿 A Few Health Notes: Why This Duo is So Good for You

Beets

  • Rich in betalains, natural pigments that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Support liver function by aiding detoxification pathways.
  • Contain nitrates that can improve blood flow and support healthy blood pressure.
  • Provide folate, fiber, and vitamin C, nourishing your heart and immune system.

Walnuts

  • Packed with omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), which reduce inflammation and support brain and heart health.
  • Contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
  • Offer plant-based protein and minerals like magnesium and copper.

Olive Oil & Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet — full of monounsaturated fats that support healthy cholesterol levels.
  • Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may help with blood sugar balance and digestion.

Serving Inspiration

  • Serve either of these salads chilled as a light lunch, or alongside roasted chicken, whole grain toast with hummus, or some greens.
  • They also make a gorgeous addition to a holiday table — colorful, fresh, and nourishing.
  • Both salads remind us that healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to be made with intention and joy.