Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
This Roasted Beet and Orange Salad is a colorful and refreshing side dish perfect for any season. It pairs oven-roasted golden and red beets with sliced citrus, peppery arugula, a zesty lemon-shallot vinaigrette, and a crunchy finish of pistachios and ricotta salata. Light, healthy, and elegant—this salad is ideal for dinner parties or holiday meals.
Equipment
- Oven
- 2 rimmed baking sheets
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Zester or grater
- Small bowl for dressing
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb golden beets 4 small, trimmed and scrubbed
- 1 lb red beets 4 small, trimmed and scrubbed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
- Kosher salt
- 1 small shallot thinly sliced into half-moons
- 1/4 tsp Meyer lemon zest
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Meyer lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1 navel orange peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
- 1 Cara Cara orange peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
- 2 Tbsp roasted and salted pistachios chopped
- Flaky salt
- 2 oz ricotta salata shaved (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F with racks in the upper and lower thirds.
- Slice golden beets into 1/4-inch rounds and red beets into 1/2-inch wedges.
- On separate baking sheets, toss each type of beet with 1/2 Tbsp olive oil and 1/8 tsp salt. Arrange in single layers and roast for 22–24 minutes, rotating halfway. Red beets may need 2 extra minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix sliced shallot, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let sit while beets roast. Stir in honey and remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil.
- In a large bowl, toss baby arugula with dressing. Gently fold in roasted beets and orange slices.
- Top with chopped pistachios, flaky salt, and shaved ricotta salata before serving.
Notes
- No need to peel beets—scrubbing and slicing is all that’s needed before roasting.
- Use a mix of orange varieties (like Cara Cara and navel) for a sweet and tangy flavor blend.
- Ricotta salata adds creamy saltiness but can be swapped with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Letting the shallots sit in lemon juice mellows their bite and enhances flavor.
- Salad can be served warm or chilled, making it great for prep-ahead occasions.