Description

This Energizing Beet Salad with Spinach and Mandarin Bliss is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish combining the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the fresh crispness of baby spinach, and the bright citrus burst of mandarin oranges. Enhanced with crunchy toasted pine nuts and creamy feta cheese, this salad is perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, offering a balance of flavors and textures that energize and delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruits

4 medium beets
4 cups baby spinach
2 mandarin oranges
1 small red onion

Nuts and Cheese

1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup feta cheese

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Instructions

Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the whole beets thoroughly, wrap them individually in foil to retain moisture, and roast them on a baking sheet for 45 to 60 minutes until they become tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, allow the beets to cool completely, then peel off their skins and slice them into rounds or wedges as preferred for the salad.
Prepare Salad Ingredients: While the beets roast, thinly slice the red onion into delicate rings. Carefully segment the mandarin oranges by cutting away the peel and membranes to release the juicy segments. Next, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted beet slices, fresh baby spinach leaves, mandarin orange segments, and sliced red onions. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix flavors evenly without bruising the tender spinach.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts evenly over the salad, then crumble the feta cheese on top, adding a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the beets and mandarins.
Serve: For optimal flavor, dress the salad just before serving with your favorite vinaigrette or a simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This ensures the salad remains fresh and crisp, making it a perfect energizing dish for any occasion.

Notes

Roasting beets wrapped in foil helps them steam in their own juices, enhancing their natural sweetness and tenderness.
To peel beets easily, rub the skin off with your fingers or a paper towel once they have cooled.
Be sure to toast pine nuts carefully as they can burn quickly; keep stirring until they turn a light golden color.
You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative for dietary preferences.
This salad pairs well with a citrus vinaigrette made from orange juice, olive oil, and a hint of honey or maple syrup.