Name: Citrus Beet Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced or diced; 2 oranges, segmented; 1 grapefruit, segmented (optional); 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh mint or dill, chopped; 4 cups mixed greens

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Okay, seriously, you guys HAVE to try this salad. It’s my go-to when I need something that feels fancy but is secretly super easy. The very first time I made a *Citrus Beet Salad*, I was blown away! I hadn’t thought earthy beets and bright citrus would play so nicely together. What a flavor explosion!

As a self-taught home cook here in Seattle, I’m all about recipes that are delicious *and* don’t keep me chained to the stove for hours. That’s where this lovely citrus beet salad comes in! It’s become one of my favorite vibrant, healthy recipes because it’s both beautiful and packed with goodness. It’s definitely a staple in my rotation of unfussy meals. I love coming up with simple food with a little soul!

Why You’ll Love This Citrus Beet Salad

Seriously, what’s *not* to love? This citrus beet salad is one of those recipes that just ticks all the boxes. Here’s why I think you’ll be obsessed:

Quick to prep – because who has all day?
Easy to customize – swap in your fave citrus or nuts!
Bursting with flavor – that sweet and tangy combo is addictive!
Visually stunning – those colors are just gorgeous.
Healthy and nutritious – feel good *and* eat good, ya know?

Trust me, this salad is a winner. It’s my secret weapon when I want to impress without stressing!

Ingredients for the Perfect Citrus Beet Salad

Alright, let’s talk ingredients for this stunner of a salad! Don’t worry, the list looks longer than it is. Most of it’s just fresh, happy stuff!

3 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced or diced. (I usually roast ’em the day before!)
2 oranges, segmented. (Navel oranges are my go-to, but Cara Caras are amazing if you can find ’em!)
1 grapefruit, segmented (optional, but adds a lovely zing!).
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced. (Soak ’em in cold water for 10 mins to take away some of the bite!).
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but OH SO GOOD!).
1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional, for that lovely crunch!).
2 tablespoons fresh mint or dill, chopped (fresh herbs make all the difference!).
4 cups mixed greens (I love arugula for a little peppery kick!).

See? Nothing too crazy! Just simple, fresh ingredients that sing together!

How to Make Citrus Beet Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get down to business! Making this citrus beet salad is seriously easy. Nothing complicated here, I promise!

First things first: Roast those beets! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet individually in foil – this keeps ’em nice and moist. Then, pop them in the oven for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily poke them with a fork. Let them cool completely – I usually do this ahead of time ’cause ain’t nobody got time for hot beets! Then, peel them (the skins should slip right off!) and slice or dice ’em.
Next up, segment your citrus. Grab those oranges and grapefruit (if you’re using it). Cut off the peel and all the white pith – that stuff is bitter! Then, carefully cut along the membranes to release each segment. Do this over a bowl to catch all the juice – we’ll need that for the vinaigrette!
Now, let’s make the magic happen: the vinaigrette! In a small bowl (or a jar!), whisk together your olive oil, that lovely orange juice you saved, a splash of vinegar (balsamic or red wine work great!), a tiny dab of Dijon mustard (for that *oomph*), a drizzle of honey or maple syrup (just a touch!), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust – this is where *you* make it your own!
Time to assemble! In a large bowl, combine your roasted beets, citrus segments, thinly sliced red onion (remember to soak them first!), and mixed greens. If you’re feeling fancy (and I usually am!), add that crumbled feta and those toasted nuts.
Almost there! Drizzle that amazing vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together. Don’t drown it – just enough to coat everything lightly.
Finally, garnish with fresh mint or dill (again, fresh herbs are key!). Serve immediately and prepare for everyone to sing your praises!

See? Told ya it was easy! This citrus beet salad is all about fresh flavors and simple steps. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Citrus Beet Salad

Want to take your citrus beet salad to the next level? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!

Best Beets: Look for firm, smooth beets with no soft spots. Smaller beets tend to be sweeter and more tender.
Citrus Segmenting Hack: Use a sharp knife and take your time. It’s much easier than it looks, I promise! Plus, you get all that delish juice for the vinaigrette!
Va-Va-Voom Vinaigrette: Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little heat, or swap the honey for maple syrup for a vegan option. My favorite part is experimenting!
Roasting Beet Bliss: Wrapping the beets in foil while roasting keeps them super moist. You can also roast them a day or two in advance to save time – just store ’em in the fridge!

Follow these tips, and your citrus beet salad will be a guaranteed hit!

Variations on This Citrus Beet Salad Recipe

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic citrus beet salad – congrats! Now, let’s get a little wild and try some fun variations. That’s the beauty of salads, right? They’re so easy to tweak!

Swap out the mint or dill for some fresh basil or parsley – gives it a totally different vibe!
A sprinkle of cumin or coriander in the vinaigrette adds warmth.
Try different greens like spinach or kale. Just massage the kale with a bit of dressing first to soften it up!
Goat cheese instead of feta? Yes, please! Or try some crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Sunflower seeds or pepitas are a great substitute if you’re not feeling nuts.
Don’t forget the citrus options! Blood oranges are gorgeous and have a unique flavor. Or try clementines for extra sweetness!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Get creative and make this citrus beet salad your own!

Serving Suggestions for Your Citrus Beet Salad

Alright, you’ve got this gorgeous citrus beet salad ready to go. But what do you serve *with* it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This salad is super versatile, so it pairs well with tons of stuff.

It is absolutely divine with grilled chicken or fish. The bright, fresh flavors of the salad cut through the richness of the meat perfectly! Or, if you’re looking for a lighter meal, try it alongside a warm bowl of soup. My favorite thing to pair it with are salmon burgers – the combo is out of this world!

Honestly, you really can’t go wrong. This citrus beet salad is a delightful side dish that adds a pop of color and flavor to any meal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Citrus Beet Salad

Got questions about this yummy citrus beet salad? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common things folks ask me:

Can I use different types of beets?

Absolutely! I love using red beets for that classic look, but golden beets are fantastic too – they’re a bit milder in flavor. Chioggia beets (the ones with the pretty rings!) are also fun, but their color fades a bit when cooked. Really, any type of beet works here; just adjust the roasting time as needed.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You sure can! Roasting the beets and segmenting the citrus can be done a day or two in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. I’d recommend waiting to dress the salad until just before serving, though, to prevent the greens from getting soggy.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

If you have any leftover beet and orange salad (and I doubt you will!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two. Keep in mind that the beets might “bleed” a little, staining the other ingredients, but it won’t affect the taste!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Go for it! Feta is my go-to, but goat cheese is also amazing in this arugula beet salad. If you want something a little milder, try some fresh mozzarella. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese adds a nice kick!

Is this salad vegan?

It can be! Just skip the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative. Also, make sure your honey or maple syrup is ethically sourced (or use another sweetener you prefer.) Then you’ll have a completely delicious vegan beet salad!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Citrus Beet Salad

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for one serving of this ah-mazing citrus beet salad: (bear in mind I didn’t calculate it. It was calculated by recipe guides!).

Calories: About 250 (give or take!)
Sugar: Around 15g
Sodium: Roughly 150mg
Fat: Approximately 15g (mostly the good kind!)
Carbs: In the neighborhood of 25g
Protein: About 5g

Now, keep in mind that these are just estimates! The exact numbers will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (like brands and stuff). So, don’t take this as gospel, okay? But it gives you a general idea! Plus, this beet and orange salad is healthy for you!

Enjoyed This Citrus Beet Salad Recipe?

If you loved this vibrant citrus beet salad as much as I do, please let me know! Leave a comment below with your thoughts—did you try any fun variations? And of course, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Share the love on social media, too! Happy cooking, friends!