Baby Spinach, Arugula and Red Beet Salad with Honey Citrus dressing

Baby Spinach, Arugula and Red Beet Salad with Honey Citrus dressing

This spinach/arugula salad with fresh roasted beets and oranges is a perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors.  The roasted red beets add an earthy flavor and will provide you with immune boosting vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.  red beetsSimply roast the unpeeled beets in a 350 degree oven for one hour – covered tightly with tin foil.  Here is a picture of the roasted beets..use gloves to peel beets or your fingers will be dyed red!  Peel and slice or cut beets to desired shape. Chill before adding to salad..  Just for fun I cut some beets into heart shapes using a small cookie cutter…… really cute presentation.
red beets roasted

Combine salad greens in a large mixing bowl. ….this one has spinach and arugula but you can use any greens you like…Add the fresh feta cheese and toss with citrus dressing.  Toss the sliced beets with citrus dressing in separate bowl.  Plate salad in a large serving platter or individual plates and top with sliced oranges, sliced beets  and sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts if you prefer.  

red beet salad 2

Baby Spinach, Arugula and Red Beet Salad with Honey Citrus dressing
Recipe Type: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Author: 3 Italian Sisters
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. of tender baby spinach leaves
  • 4 oz fresh arugula leaves
  • 1 bunch of fresh beets ( 3-4)
  • 8 oz fresh feta cheese
  • 2 navel oranges, peeled and sliced
  • 8 oz pecans halves or walnuts , toasted
  • Citrus dressing:
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 3-4 tbsp. honey
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oi
Instructions
  1. Wash beets and place on cookie sheet, cover with foil and roast in 350 degree oven until fork tender, about 60 minutes.
  2. Remove beets from oven and let cool before peeling and slicing beets.
  3. Keep sliced beets in refrigerator until ready to serve. can be made days ahead.
  4. Prepare dressing by combining all ingredients and whisk until blended.
  5. (dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated.)
  6. Toast nuts in skillet on top of stove on low heat for approx 10 min. set aside.
  7. Toss salad greens and feta cheese in large bowl with citrus dressing. Reserve some dressing for beets and toss in separate bowl.
  8. Plate salad in a large serving platter or individual plates. Add oranges, beets and sprinkle with nuts.. Pass extra dressing if desired.