Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of winter? Look no further than this Winter Citrus Roasted Beet Salad! Bursting with the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, zesty orange segments, and creamy feta, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors on your palate. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this salad will have your guests asking for seconds! Dive into the recipe and discover how to create this colorful masterpiece that will brighten up any table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, scrubbed
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly wash and scrub the beets to remove any dirt.
- Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to lock in moisture and flavor during roasting.
- Place the foil-wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove beets from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to gently rub off the skin.
- Cut the cooled beets into bite-sized wedges or half-moons, arranging them on a serving platter.
- Segment the oranges by cutting away the membrane and removing each citrus segment carefully.
- Scatter the orange segments over the roasted beet pieces.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar evenly over the beets and oranges.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the salad.
- Gently place fresh arugula leaves on top of the beets and oranges.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the full depth of flavors.
Tips
- Choosing Beets: Look for firm, smooth-skinned beets without any soft spots. The fresher the beets, the better the flavor!
- Roasting Technique: Wrapping the beets in aluminum foil helps them roast evenly and retain moisture. For an extra touch, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary inside the foil for added flavor.
- Cooling the Beets: Allow the roasted beets to cool before peeling; this makes the skin easier to remove and prevents burns.
- Orange Segmentation: To get perfectly segmented oranges, use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and pith, then slice between the membranes to release the segments.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is best enjoyed at room temperature. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can roast the beets a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different greens like spinach or kale, and try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
