There’s just something about the vibrant colors and juicy, tangy flavors of a Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta that makes any table shine a little brighter! This refreshing salad tosses together bold, sweet beets, tender spinach, zesty mandarin oranges, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, all drizzled with a citrusy balsamic dressing. It’s the celebration of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for another bite—whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy lunch or a festive gathering.

Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s color, crunch, or creaminess. Gather these essentials, and you’re on your way to a Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta that looks as amazing as it tastes!

Fresh Baby Spinach: A tender, leafy base that’s the perfect canvas for bold toppings.
Cooked Beets (sliced or cubed): Earthy, subtly sweet, and packed with gorgeous color.
Mandarin Orange Segments (canned or fresh): Tiny bursts of juicy citrus, bringing brightness to every bite.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty richness that perfectly complements the sweet beets and oranges.
Chopped Candied or Toasted Walnuts/Pecans: Adds a delightful, nutty crunch and a hint of sweetness or toastiness.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion: A little tang and bite to balance the salad’s sweetness.

Olive Oil: The flavorful foundation for your dressing.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a deep, tangy backbone to the citrus notes.
Orange Juice: Lifts the dressing with a sweet, bright kick.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Just enough natural sweetness to tie everything together.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance every single flavor in the salad. Season to taste!

How to Make Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta

Step 1: Prep Your Salad Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them for assembly. Slice or cube your cooked beets (vacuum-packed make this a breeze!), drain the mandarin oranges if you’re using canned, crumble the feta, chop your nuts, and thinly slice the red onion. When everything’s ready, set up a spacious salad bowl—there’s plenty of tossing ahead!

Step 2: Layer the Salad

Add the fresh baby spinach to your large bowl first to form the perfect leafy bed. Next, scatter the beets, mandarin oranges, feta cheese, toasted or candied walnuts or pecans, and red onion slices over the top. Each layer should look vibrant and inviting—trust me, this is what makes Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta so irresistible at first glance!

Step 3: Whisk the Citrus Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture emulsifies and looks glossy. Your dressing should taste balanced—tangy, slightly sweet, and rich with a bit of zip.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Right before serving, drizzle the citrus balsamic dressing generously over your salad. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together so each leaf and ingredient is lightly coated. This careful mixing ensures every bite of your Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta is perfectly dressed and not soggy.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Plate the salad as soon as it’s dressed for the freshest texture and flavor. The bold colors and fragrant citrus aroma will have everyone eager to dig in—don’t let it sit too long, or the spinach may wilt!

How to Serve Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny bit more feta, extra orange zest, or a few reserved walnuts on top right before serving. A little extra fresh cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can also make your Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta pop with flavor and give it a chef’s-kiss presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad shines all on its own, but it also pairs fabulously with warm artisan bread, lemony grilled chicken, or a light soup. If you’re hosting, offer it alongside a simple grain bowl or as a vibrant starter to any main course—its fresh flavors play well with a huge variety of cuisines.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta in individual bowls or on small plates for an elegant appetizer. For potlucks or family dinners, a big rustic bowl is gorgeous in the center of the table. Want even more flair? Layer the ingredients in Mason jars for meal prep or picnic-style serving—eye candy for the lunch crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, it’s wise to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving the leftovers. The salad will keep its freshness for about a day, though the spinach may start to wilt as time passes.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad since spinach and oranges don’t thaw well and can become mushy. However, you can freeze cooked beets and even the walnuts or pecans in separate airtight bags. Assemble fresh when you’re ready to enjoy another round of this beautiful beet salad!

Reheating

Since Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to revive leftovers, simply give them a quick toss with a splash of fresh dressing to bring back some vibrancy.

FAQs

Can I use golden beets instead of red beets?

Absolutely! Golden beets are deliciously sweet and add a sunny hue to the salad. Swap them in, or use both for a colorful twist on your Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta.

What’s the best plant-based feta substitute?

There are several fantastic dairy-free feta options in stores these days, often made with almond or tofu bases. Simply crumble over your salad for similar tang and creaminess. Or skip the cheese and add extra walnuts for richness.

Can I use fresh oranges instead of mandarins?

Definitely! Segment any sweet, seedless orange or even blood oranges for a gourmet touch. Fresh citrus adds bright, zesty notes that elevate the Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta beautifully.

How do I prepare beets quickly if I don’t have pre-cooked?

To save time, microwave-cleaned raw beets (with a splash of water, covered in a bowl) for about 8–10 minutes, then let them cool and peel. Roasting in foil at 400°F for 40 minutes also brings out incredible flavor.

What protein could I add to make it a main course?

Turn this salad into a hearty entrée by adding grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or a scoop of chickpeas. All pair deliciously with the other flavors and keep the vibrant spirit of Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta alive!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s gorgeous, refreshing, and sure to excite everyone at the table, Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta is the one to try. With its dazzling colors and wonderful mix of flavors, it’s a dish you’ll crave again and again. Go on—gather your favorite ingredients and enjoy every crunchy, creamy, citrusy bite!

Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

A vibrant and nutritious Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarin Oranges & Feta is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This colorful salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

5 cups fresh baby spinach
2 medium cooked beets, sliced or cubed
1 cup canned or fresh mandarin orange segments (drained if canned)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped candied or toasted walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion

For the dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, cooked beets, mandarin oranges, feta cheese, walnuts, and red onion.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.