Name: Beet Salad with Spinach Mandarin Oranges Red Onion Pine Nuts and Feta Cheese
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 4 medium beets: Roasted and sliced, these add a sweet, earthy flavor to the salad.; 4 cups fresh spinach leaves: The base of the salad, offering a slightly bitter, crisp texture.; 2 mandarin oranges: Peeled and segmented, bringing a burst of citrusy sweetness.; 1/4 red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp contrast in flavor.; 1/4 cup pine nuts: Toasted to add a subtle nuttiness and crunch.; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a creamy, salty finish that balances the sweetness of the beets and oranges.; 3 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that forms the base of the dressing.; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: For a bit of sharpness and complexity.; 1 teaspoon honey: To balance the acidity of the vinegar and mustard.; Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the flavors of the dressing and the salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients:

4 medium beets: Roasted and sliced, these add a sweet, earthy flavor to the salad.
4 cups fresh spinach leaves: The base of the salad, offering a slightly bitter, crisp texture.
2 mandarin oranges: Peeled and segmented, bringing a burst of citrusy sweetness.
1/4 red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp contrast in flavor.
1/4 cup pine nuts: Toasted to add a subtle nuttiness and crunch.
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a creamy, salty finish that balances the sweetness of the beets and oranges.

Dressing Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that forms the base of the dressing.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: For a bit of sharpness and complexity.
1 teaspoon honey: To balance the acidity of the vinegar and mustard.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the flavors of the dressing and the salad.

These ingredients come together to create a salad that is not only nutrient-dense but also bursting with flavor.

Instructions

Roast the Beets

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wrap the beets in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
Roast the beets for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Once roasted, allow the beets to cool before handling.
Peel the beets by rubbing the skins off with your fingers or a paper towel.
Slice the beets into even rounds or wedges, depending on your preference.

Prepare the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, sliced beets, mandarin orange segments, and red onion slices.
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until fully emulsified.
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Serve

Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors at their best.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra pine nuts or feta cheese on top for garnish.