Beet Salad with Spinach, Feta, Pine Nuts, and Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing

This vibrant Beet Salad combines earthy beets with fresh spinach, juicy mandarin oranges, sharp red onion, crunchy pine nuts, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a homemade honey-mustard lemon vinaigrette. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes for a refreshing appetizer, light meal, or side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals from beets, spinach, and mandarin oranges, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb beets, cooked, peeled, and sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 5 oz baby spinach
• 2 cups mandarin orange segments (from about 3 mandarins)
• ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup pine nuts, toasted
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Honey-Mustard Lemon Vinaigrette:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beets: In a small bowl, toss the sliced cooked beets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey.
2. Make the Dressing: In a mason jar, combine the vinaigrette ingredients: ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Whisk with a fork or shake the jar until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad: In individual serving bowls or a large platter, layer the spinach, mandarin orange segments, and red onion slices. Top with the honey-coated beets.
4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
5. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the honey-mustard lemon vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 6 people.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Cooking Time: If cooking beets from scratch, allow an additional 1 hour for roasting or 30 minutes for boiling.

Variations

• Greens: Substitute arugula or mixed greens for spinach.
• Nuts: Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds instead of pine nuts.
• Cheese: Try goat cheese or blue cheese in place of feta.
• Fruit: Replace mandarin oranges with segmented grapefruit or diced apples for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best served fresh and cold; reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

How do I cook beets for this salad?

You can roast or boil the beets. To roast, wrap them in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 1 hour until tender. To boil, place them in a pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook for 20-30 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.

Can I use canned beets?

Yes, canned beets can be used as a time-saving alternative. Be sure to drain and rinse them before use.

What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?

Clementines, tangerines, or even orange segments can be used in place of mandarin oranges.

Is there a vegan alternative to feta cheese?

Yes, there are plant-based feta cheese alternatives available, or you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

How can I make this salad nut-free?

Omit the pine nuts or substitute with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.

What other dressings pair well with this salad?

A balsamic vinaigrette or citrus-based dressing would also complement the flavors in this salad.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prepare the components in advance but assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

How do I prevent the beets from staining other ingredients?

Toss the beets separately with dressing and add them to the salad just before serving to minimize staining.

What main dishes pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, fish, or roasted meats complement this salad nicely.

Can I add grains to make this salad more filling?

Yes, adding quinoa or farro can increase the heartiness of the salad.

Conclusion

This Beet Salad with Spinach and Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Its versatility allows for easy customization, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy the balance of earthy beets, sweet mandarins, and tangy vinaigrette in every bite!

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