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Alternating slices of deep ruby-red roasted beets and bright orange citrus wheels on a bed of fresh mixed greens.

Vibrant Beet and Orange Salad with Feta and Toasted Walnuts

A visually stunning Beet and Orange Salad featuring roasted ruby-red beets, sweet citrus wheels, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts over fresh mixed greens, all finished with a translucent vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Beet and Orange Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups Fresh mixed greens & baby spinach 50/50 blend (about 120g)
  • 3 medium Ruby-red beets About 450g total, roasted and sliced
  • 2 large Navel oranges About 400g total, peeled and sliced into wheels
  • 1/2 cup White feta cheese 75g, roughly crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Walnut pieces 60g, toasted
  • 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil 60ml
  • 2 tbsp White wine vinegar 30ml
  • 1 tbsp Honey 15ml, or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard 5g
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt 5g
  • 1/4 cup Delicate microgreens 10g, for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp Cracked black pepper flakes 1g, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Aluminum Baking Sheet & Foil For roasting the beets.
  • 1 Sharp Chef's Knife For slicing the citrus and beets uniformly.
  • 1 Small Dry Skillet For toasting the walnuts.
  • 1 Shallow White Ceramic Bowl For optimal visual presentation.

Method
 

Preparing and Assembling the Salad
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the beets, wrap each in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast on a baking sheet for 45 to 60 minutes until a paring knife glides into the center with zero resistance.
  2. Slice off the top and bottom of the oranges. Stand upright and slice down the sides to remove all peel and pith. Lay the fruit on its side and cut into 1/4-inch (6mm) orange citrus wheels.
  3. Place walnut pieces in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 4 to 5 minutes, tossing frequently, until you hear a faint crackling sound and smell a deep, nutty aroma. Cool on a separate plate.
  4. In a glass jar, combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and kosher salt. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until fully emulsified and translucent.
  5. Once cooled, use a paper towel to rub the skins off the roasted beets. Slice them into 1/4-inch (6mm) rounds to match the citrus wheels.
  6. In a shallow white ceramic bowl, lay down the mixed greens and baby spinach. Arrange alternating slices of roasted beets and orange wheels in an overlapping pattern. Scatter crumbled feta and toasted walnuts over the top.
  7. Drizzle the translucent vinaigrette evenly over the salad, allowing it to pool slightly at the citrus edges. Garnish with tiny delicate microgreens and cracked black pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

Temperature Matters: Ensure the roasted beets are completely cooled before assembling so they do not wilt the delicate baby spinach.
Prevent Color Bleed: Keep the sliced beets separate from the oranges and cheese until the very last moment before serving.