Description
Beet Salad with Spinach, Mandarins, and Honey-Mustard Lemon Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines earthy beets, juicy mandarins, and tender spinach with a zesty-sweet homemade dressing. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for a healthy lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cooked beets, sliced or cubed (roasted or steamed)
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the honey-mustard lemon dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
Instructions
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using). Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, cooked beets, and mandarin slices.
- Add red onion, cheese, and nuts if using.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently until coated.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked beets to save time—vacuum-packed or canned (unsweetened) work great.
- Swap spinach with arugula for a peppery flavor.
- Add grains like quinoa or farro for a heartier salad.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a vegan-friendly or deeper flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
