If you love vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients coming together in a beautiful, colorful dish, then this Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. It balances the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the bright, juicy burst of mandarin oranges, the creamy tang of feta cheese, and the fresh crunch of spinach leaves. Every bite is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that feels just as nourishing as it does delicious. Perfect for a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or even a healthy snack, this salad is both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this salad right is all about using fresh, quality ingredients that bring their own unique flair to the bowl. Each component plays a key role in creating a balance between sweetness, creaminess, and freshness, while the dressing ties everything together beautifully.
- 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives a tender texture that’s perfect for salads.
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves: These add a fresh, slightly earthy backdrop and a nice crunch that balances the soft beets.
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained: Whether canned or fresh, they add juicy bursts of citrus that brighten the salad.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Its creamy, salty tang complements the sweetness of the beets and oranges.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sharpness and crunch to create contrast and depth.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Offers a tangy sweetness to the dressing that enhances all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings silkiness and smoothness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness in the dressing to round out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the ingredients together.
How to Make Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Beets
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the beets tightly in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, allow them to cool, then peel off the skins—you’ll be rewarded with beautifully vibrant slices full of earthy sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
While the beets roast and cool, grab a large bowl and combine the fresh spinach leaves, drained mandarin oranges, and thinly sliced red onion. This combination brings freshness and a natural citrus pop that will make your salad stand out.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Arrange the sliced, roasted beets on top of the spinach mixture. Then sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over everything. This layering ensures each bite delivers a variety of textures—from tender beet slices to creamy feta and crisp greens.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until smooth. This simple dressing has a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that will elevate the entire salad.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. You want just enough dressing to lightly coat everything without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Serve immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for up to two hours before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider sprinkling toasted walnuts or pecans on top. Their crunchiness pairs wonderfully with the creamy feta and soft beets. Fresh herbs like chopped mint or basil also add an invigorating aroma and brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This salad shines beautifully beside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a simple quinoa bowl. It’s perfect to serve alongside dishes that need a refreshing, slightly sweet contrast. For a vegetarian meal, pair it with crusty bread and a spread of hummus for a light yet satisfying lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a dinner party, try serving this salad in individual glass jars or as layered parfaits. Another charming option is placing the salad atop large, crisp endive leaves for a bite-sized appetizer. No matter how you serve it, the vibrant colors and textures will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible, to prevent the spinach from wilting. The salad stays fresh and flavorful for up to two days, making it great for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The texture of the spinach and mandarin oranges will suffer after freezing, so it’s recommended to roast the beets ahead if you’d like to prepare parts in advance instead.
Reheating
Since this is primarily a cold salad, reheating is not necessary. If you want warm beets, heat just the roasted beets separately and then assemble the salad with fresh spinach, mandarin oranges, and feta before serving.
FAQs
Can I use canned beets instead of roasting fresh ones?
Yes, canned beets can be a convenient substitute. Just drain and slice them before adding to the salad. Keep in mind they may be softer and less flavorful than roasted beets, but they still work well.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, try crumbled goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even toasted nuts like almonds to add texture and a bit of tanginess.
Are mandarin oranges necessary?
Mandarin oranges bring a lovely citrus sweetness that balances the earthiness of beets perfectly. You can substitute with fresh orange segments, grapefruit, or even pomegranate arils for a different burst of flavor.
How do I make this salad vegan?
Simply replace the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to keep it fully vegan.
Can I prepare this salad the day before?
While you can roast the beets and prepare the dressing ahead, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the spinach and freshness of the mandarins.
Final Thoughts
This Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta Recipe is a fantastic way to brighten your meal with fresh ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors. It feels both healthy and indulgent, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this vibrant salad—it truly is a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!
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Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Beet Salad featuring roasted beets, fresh spinach, sweet mandarin oranges, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a honey-balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this salad balances earthy, sweet, and savory flavors with a crisp, colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, roasted and sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained (or fresh orange segments)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the beets individually in foil and roast them for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven, let them cool, then peel off the skins and slice the beets into rounds or wedges.
- Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves with the drained mandarin oranges and thinly sliced red onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the sliced roasted beets on top of the spinach mixture. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the beets to add a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This dressing provides a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the ingredients.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat all components without bruising the spinach leaves. Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness and improves texture; you can also boil them if short on time, but roasting is preferred.
- If fresh mandarin oranges are not available, canned mandarin segments (well-drained) are a convenient alternative.
- Feel free to substitute honey with pure maple syrup to keep the dressing vegan.
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted walnuts or pecans.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh; avoid storing it for more than 2 hours after dressing to keep the spinach crisp.
