Description
A vibrant and refreshing Beet Salad featuring tender roasted beets, fresh baby spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side dish, combining earthy, sweet, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch from walnuts or pecans.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 medium roasted beets, peeled and sliced or diced
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, roasted beets, mandarin orange segments, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped nuts if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar), honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently and thoroughly to coat all the salad ingredients with the dressing.
- Add Feta and Season: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the salad. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired to taste. Serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.
Notes
- To roast beets, wrap them in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes until tender. Allow to cool before peeling to remove the skins easily.
- For extra texture and substance, try adding cooked quinoa or farro to the salad.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the spinach and the sweetness of the mandarins.
- Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch but can be omitted to make the salad nut-free.
