If you’re searching for a show-stopping yet delightfully simple salad, look no further than Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta. This vibrant bowl brings together earthy beets, tender baby spinach, sweet mandarin orange segments, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey-balsamic dressing—all the flavors and textures you could want for a truly memorable dish. Whether you need a quick lunch, a colorful side, or a potluck winner, this Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta will have everyone swooning in record time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta lies in its handful of simple ingredients, each chosen for their punch of flavor and texture. Every element works together to create a salad that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious—so let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach: Tender, leafy spinach forms the perfect green base and is packed with nutrients.
- 2 medium cooked beets (peeled and sliced): Choose pre-cooked beets for a quick assembly, or roast your own for even richer flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 cup canned mandarin orange segments (drained): These juicy, tangy segments add a sunny pop of sweetness and irresistible color contrast.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty feta balances the sweetness from the oranges and beets, bringing the salad together.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: A little sharpness from red onion gives this salad a punchy bite that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toasted): For crunch and a nutty richness, always toast the walnuts lightly before adding them in!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The base of a silky, light dressing to tie everything together.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Its tanginess brings out the sweetness of the oranges and beets—don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon honey: Just a drizzle sweetens and rounds out the dressing without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is key for bringing all those flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Grab a small bowl and a fork or whisk—in goes the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a vigorous whisk until everything is glossy and well combined. Tasting is encouraged: you want sweet-tart, peppery, and balanced. If you like it a touch sweeter or tangier, adjust the honey or vinegar until it sings.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, pile in your baby spinach, add the sliced beets (use gloves if you don’t want pink fingers!), mandarin orange segments, thinly sliced red onion, and those perfectly toasted walnuts. Everything should look beautifully colorful and inviting at this stage.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing
Drizzle the luscious dressing over the salad and, using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together. Try to coat every leaf of spinach and every morsel with that flavorful honey-balsamic combination—but be careful not to break up the beets too much, as they can be a bit delicate.
Step 4: Add Feta and Finish
Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta overtop like snow. The feta’s salty, creamy notes should pop against the sweetness and earthiness already in the bowl. Serve your Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta right away, or chill for up to an hour if you want a refreshingly crisp salad experience.
How to Serve Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta
Garnishes
This salad shines with a few simple garnishes. Try a final flourish of extra toasted walnuts or an extra crack of black pepper right before serving. A scattering of fresh herbs like mint or parsley can also wake up the flavors and add even more color.
Side Dishes
Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta pairs beautifully with so many dishes. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken, herbed fish, or a hearty pasta for a well-rounded meal. It can also hold its own on a lunch table with some crusty bread and a bowl of soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dramatic presentation, try layering the salad ingredients on a large platter rather than tossing, so each ingredient’s color really stands out. Individual salad cups or jars make for fun picnic or party servings of Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta. Even a ring mold on plates can give a restaurant-worthy, stacked look for special occasions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep crisp and tasty for up to 2 days, though the spinach may wilt a bit after dressing is added—so if you want to prep ahead, keep the dressing separate until it’s time to serve.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for salads with fresh greens and oranges, as they don’t thaw well and will become limp or watery. However, cooked beets and walnuts can be frozen separately if you want to have those ingredients ready for future use in Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta.
Reheating
Since Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If the salad has been chilled for a while, just let it sit out for several minutes before serving so the flavors can blossom.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh mandarins (or clementines) are a fantastic substitute, especially when in season. Just peel and segment before adding—the flavor will be even more fragrant and bright.
What cheese can I use instead of feta?
If you’re not the biggest fan of feta, goat cheese works beautifully for a tangy, creamy alternative. You could also use blue cheese for more punch, or even ricotta salata for something milder.
Is this Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, just like most composed salads. To be certain, always check your labels on balsamic vinegar and cheese for any added ingredients.
How can I add extra protein to this salad?
For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, or even leftover salmon. These additions complement the bright, earthy flavors beautifully.
Can I make Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Simply prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Toss together with the dressing and feta right before serving for peak freshness and color. That way, you get all the wow factor with none of the last-minute rush.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: a bowl of color, texture, and flavor that will win hearts at any table. Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta is so easy to love and even easier to make. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to for any occasion—don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it long after it’s gone!
Print
Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make for a refreshing and nutritious meal or side dish. Fresh baby spinach, tender beets, sweet mandarin oranges, savory feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts are tossed in a simple balsamic dressing for a satisfying salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 medium cooked beets, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup canned mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, beets, mandarin oranges, red onion, and walnuts.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Add Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta on top just before serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour before serving.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-cooked packaged beets.
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta or pecans for walnuts.
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
