🥗💜 Roasted Beet & Feta Salad with Orange Dressing 🍊
Earthy roasted beets, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and crisp greens all drizzled with a zesty-sweet orange dressing — this salad is a true celebration of color and flavor! It’s fresh enough for summer lunches yet elegant enough for holiday tables.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 medium beets, trimmed and scrubbed
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Orange Dressing:
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (about half a large orange)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the beets – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 45–60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork. Let cool, then peel and slice or cube.
- Make the dressing – In a small bowl or jar, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the salad – On a large serving platter or bowl, arrange salad greens. Top with roasted beets, feta, walnuts, red onion, and parsley.
- Dress & serve – Drizzle with the orange dressing right before serving. Toss gently to coat.
Notes
- For quicker prep, roast the beets a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Swap feta for goat cheese if you prefer a creamier, tangier bite.
Tips
- Wear gloves when handling beets to avoid staining your hands.
- For extra citrus brightness, add a little orange zest to the dressing.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal.
Servings
Serves 4 as a side salad or 2 as a main.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
Benefits
- Heart-healthy: Walnuts and olive oil provide healthy fats.
- Nutrient-rich: Beets are packed with antioxidants, folate, and nitrates for better blood flow.
- Immune support: Orange juice adds a boost of vitamin C.
Q & A
Q: Can I use pre-cooked beets?
A: Yes! Vacuum-packed or canned beets work great — just drain and pat dry.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: The salad is best fresh, but you can store components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Absolutely — just swap the feta for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.