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Roasted Beets and Baby Greens with Corinader Vinaigrette and Coriander Pesto

This vibrant roasted beetroot salad is a celebration of earthy flavours and fresh herbs. By roasting baby beetroots whole, you lock in their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the zesty coriander vinaigrette and a punchy herb pesto. This vegan dish uses a mix of red and golden beetroots to create a stunning visual contrast against a bed of delicate baby lettuce leaves, making it a sophisticated choice for a dinner party starter or a light, seasonal lunch.

Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like toasted pine nuts, fresh mint, and lime, this salad offers a refreshing complexity that is both healthy and satisfying. Preparing the dressings in advance allows the flavours to develop fully, while marinating the warm beetroots ensures every bite is infused with the aromatic coriander spice. Serve it alongside some crusty sourdough for a complete plant-based meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Roasted Beets and Baby Greens with Corinader Vinaigrette and Coriander Pesto

  • 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 60ml minced shallots

  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

  • 1 small garlic clove, peeled

  • 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 240ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

  • 1 bunch fresh coriander, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)

  • 1 bunch fresh chives, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)

  • 1/4 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves

  • 1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chilli

  • 1 small garlic clove, peeled

  • 1 teaspoon (scant) coarse kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 45ml fresh lime juice

  • 900g 1-inch-diameter baby beets

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Coarse kosher salt

  • 6 cups assorted red baby lettuces (such as red oak leaf and lolla rossa)

How to make Roasted Beets and Baby Greens with Corinader Vinaigrette and Coriander Pesto

Stir coriander in small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Cool. Coarsely grind coriander in mortar with pestle or in spice mill. Transfer to small bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl with coriander. Add vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in 110ml oil. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill; discard garlic after 1 hour. Let vinaigrette stand at room temperature 1 hour before using.)

Puree first 9 ingredients in blender until smooth. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Reblend before continuing.) Whisk in lime juice.

Preheat oven to 177°C. Wash and dry beets. Cut off beet greens 1 inch from top of beets; reserve for another use. Rub beets with oil. Place light-coloured beets in 1 roasting pan and red beets in another; sprinkle with coarse salt. Cover pans tightly with foil. Roast until beets are just tender, about 55 minutes. Cool slightly. Using towel, rub off peel and stems from beets. Cut beets in half. Place light-coloured beets and red beets in 2 separate bowls. Toss beets in each bowl with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette. Let stand 30 minutes. Toss lettuces in bowl with some of vinaigrette to coat lightly; divide among plates and top with beets. Drizzle pesto around salads and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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