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Roasted beet and citrus salad on a white platter with arugula, orange segments, grapefruit, and toasted walnuts

Roasted Beet Citrus Salad

This stunning roasted beet and citrus salad combines earthy roasted beets with bright citrus segments, peppery arugula, and toasted walnuts. Drizzled with a light citrus vinaigrette, it's a colorful and sophisticated salad that's perfect for any season.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 148

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 400 g small beets trimmed
  • 120 g fresh arugula
  • 1 large orange segmented
  • 1 small grapefruit segmented
  • 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves torn
Dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Prepare the Beets
  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Rinse the beets thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt and trim off the stems and root ends if still attached. Leave the skins on, as they protect the flesh during roasting and help retain moisture. Pat the beets dry with a kitchen towel before wrapping.
Roast the Beets
  1. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roasting the beets individually helps them cook evenly and prevents their juices from burning on the tray. Roast for 40–45 minutes, depending on size, until a knife slides easily into the center of each beet. Once cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool until they are comfortable to handle.
Peel and Cut the Beets
  1. Once the beets have cooled slightly, gently rub the skins off using your fingers or a paper towel. The skins should slide off easily after roasting. Cut the peeled beets into bite-sized wedges or chunks, roughly 2–3 cm in size, so they distribute evenly throughout the salad.
Prepare the Citrus Segments
  1. Using a sharp knife, remove the top and bottom of the orange and grapefruit to create flat surfaces. Stand each fruit upright and carefully cut away the peel and white pith following the curve of the fruit. Hold the fruit over a bowl and slice between the membranes to release the citrus segments. This technique, known as supreming, produces clean, membrane-free segments. Collect any juice that drips into the bowl and reserve 1 tablespoon for the dressing.
Prepare the Arugula
  1. Rinse the arugula thoroughly under cold water and dry it completely using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Dry greens are essential so the dressing adheres evenly rather than sliding off.
Toast the Walnuts
  1. Place the walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Remove them from the pan immediately to prevent burning and allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
Prepare the Citrus Vinaigrette
  1. In a small bowl combine the reserved citrus juice, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth. The vinaigrette should taste balanced between acidity, brightness, and gentle richness from the olive oil.
Assemble the Salad Base
  1. Spread the arugula evenly across a large serving platter or shallow bowl to create the base of the salad. Distribute the roasted beet wedges evenly across the greens so the earthy sweetness of the beets contrasts with the peppery arugula.
Add Citrus and Garnishes
  1. Arrange the citrus segments evenly over the salad, allowing the bright orange and grapefruit pieces to add color and freshness. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts across the salad for crunch, then scatter the torn mint leaves for aromatic freshness.
Dress and Serve
  1. Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette lightly over the entire salad just before serving. Serve immediately so the arugula stays crisp and the citrus remains juicy and fresh.

Notes

Roasted beet citrus salad balances earthy roasted vegetables with bright citrus acidity.
Roasting the beets intensifies their natural sweetness and softens their texture while preserving their deep color.
Citrus segments provide refreshing acidity that cuts through the earthy richness of the beets.
Peppery arugula adds contrast and freshness, preventing the salad from feeling heavy.
Toasted walnuts add texture and a nutty flavor that complements the roasted beets.
Fresh mint enhances the citrus aroma and brightens the overall flavor profile.