Are you looking to add a burst of flavor and color to your dinner table? Our Mandarin Orange Salad with Beets Recipe is simply the BEST! This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the earthy richness of roasted beets, creating a special treat for your tastebuds!
Mandarin Orange Salad with Roasted Beets is a delicious combination of fresh ingredients that come together to make the perfect salad for summer. The crispness of lettuce contrasts beautifully with the tender sweetness of mandarin oranges, while the earthy notes of roasted beets adds flavor to every bite.
This salad is a feast for the eyes with its beautiful colors and artistic presentation. It's a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.
Why we love this recipe:
- It’s quick: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have this salad ready in no time. It's even quicker with pre-cooked beets!
- It’s addictive: Once you try it, you'll find yourself craving more!
- It’s easy: Chop up a few ingredients and you're good to go.
- It’s seasonal: Celebrate the freshness of seasonal produce with this colorful salad.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Instructions
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- How to Peel Beets
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Spring Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, lettuce forms the base of this salad, providing a bed for the other ingredients.
- Beets: Roasted to perfection, beets add a sweet and earthy flavor to the salad.
- Mandarin Oranges: Bursting with citrusy goodness, mandarin oranges lend a bright and refreshing taste.
- Red Onion: Adds a hint of sharpness and a pop of color to the salad.
- Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, goat cheese balances the sweetness of the oranges and beets.
- Pistachios: Crunchy and nutty, pistachios provide texture and flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the taste of the salad.
Dressing
- Citrus or champagne vinaigrette is recommended.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Nuts: Swap pistachios for almonds or walnuts.
- Spring Lettuce: Use other mixed greens for added variety.
- Beets: To save time swap out fresh beets with pre-cooked beets.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: For a vegan option, omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
Instructions
Step One: Prepare the Roasted Beets
Prepare the roasted beets by washing, peeling, and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender.
Step Two: Prepare the Lettuce
While the beets are roasting, wash and dry the lettuce leaves, then tear them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
Step Three: Prepare the Ingredients
Drain the canned mandarin oranges. If using fresh oranges, separate them into segments. Thinly slice the red onion.
Step Four: Assemble and Serve
Assemble the salad in layers with lettuce on the bottom, followed by mandarin oranges, beets, goat cheese, red onion, and nuts.
Add a small amount of dressing and give it a good toss. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve immediately.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Salad Tongs
- Colander or Salad Spinner
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
How Should You Store This?
Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator without dressing for 2-3 days. If the salad is moist from being washed, place a paper towel on top of it to draw out the moisture.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
To save time, buy pre-cooked beets in the produce section of the grocery store.
How to Peel Beets
- Begin by washing the beets thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Trim off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stem attached.
- Place the beets on a cutting board and use a sharp vegetable peeler to peel off the outer skin. Start from the top and work your way down, applying gentle pressure as needed to remove the skin.
- If the skin is stubborn, you can also use a paring knife to carefully remove it, being mindful not to waste too much of the beet flesh.
- Once peeled, rinse the beets again to remove any remaining debris.
- Your beets are now ready to be diced, sliced, or roasted according to your recipe's instructions.
Peeling beets can be a messy task, so you may want to wear gloves or use a cutting board with a groove to catch any juices. They can stain your hands and surfaces, so it's a good idea to work on a surface that's easy to clean or use a disposable cutting board.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Add your leftover mandarin oranges to this Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad with Oven Baked Chicken.
- Add excess beets to a traditional Chopped Greek Salad.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
Try these other fruit salad ideas:
More lunch recipes you will love:
Frequently Asked Questions
📖 Recipe
Mandarin Orange Salad with Roasted Beets
Ingredients
- 6-9 ounces Spring lettuce torn
- 3 medium beets peeled and diced
- 8 ounces Mandarin oranges segmented
- ⅓ small red onion thinly sliced
- 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup pistachios chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the *peeled and diced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender. Allow to cool slightly. *See how to peel beets in the post above.
- In a large bowl, combine torn lettuce, roasted beets, mandarin orange segments, sliced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pistachios.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper. Gently toss the salad with dressing until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Plate the salad and serve immediately.
Dressing
- Citrus vinaigrette or champagne vinaigrette
Notes
-
- Nuts: Swap pistachios for almonds or walnuts.
- Spring Lettuce: Use other mixed greens for added variety.
- Beets: To save time, swap out fresh beets with pre-cooked beets.
Nutrition
Important Food Safety Tips
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
Nora
Hi there,
I've read the recipe over a number of times and though I tend to miss things, I'm unable to find a roasting temp for the beets. If it's there, I apologize, otherwise, what temp do you suggest?
thx.
Jami Powell
Hi Nora. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention! If diced into bite-sized pieces, fresh beets can be roasted at 400 degrees F for about 25-30 minutes. If roasting whole beets, please allow 40-60 minutes depending on the size.