This simple, vibrant roasted beet and orange salad is a delicious combination of sweet and earthy beets, and tangy oranges. Simply served on a bed of peppery arugula and topped with toasted pistachios and a simple homemade vinaigrette.

This beautiful roasted beet salad is perfect for everyday meals, but elegant enough for a dinner party, and a great addition to your holiday dinner table.

Colorful beet and orange salad on a black plate.

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I am a big fan of beets (or beetroot, as this root vegetable is referred as outside of the USA and Canada), especially roasted beets. They are one of my favorite vegetables to roast because roasting beets intensifies their sweetness and it's so easy! You can roast them in the air fryer (here's how; air fryer beets), or in the oven.

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Why you'll love this orange beet salad
Ingredient notes
How to make it, step by step
Tips and variations
Serving suggestions
Are you a beet lover? Try these recipes, too
Recipe
Comments

A serving of roasted beet and orange salad on a plate beside the serving bowl.

Why you'll love this orange beet salad

Delicious: The best salads are full of contrasts, and this flavorful salad has it all. Sweet beets, juicy orange segments, peppery baby arugula, and the nutty crunch of pistachios.
Easy: Once your beets are roasted, this easy salad comes together in no time.
Nutritious: All of the fresh ingredients in this beetroot salad recipe are packed with vitamins, nutrients and fibre. So you can feel great about indulging in this delicious meal.

Ingredient notes

Salad ingredients

Beets: Red beets are featured in this beet and orange salad. You can also use golden beets, but I like the color contrast of the red beet and orange slices. Look for small firm beets with unblemished skins. If the tops are attached, they should be fresh and green, not wilted or brown.
Oranges: Sweet oranges like Mandarin oranges or clementines are great because they are easy to peel and segment. However, any fresh oranges will work. You can use navel oranges, or go with blood oranges or cara cara oranges.
Arugula: I love the peppery bite that arugula adds to this beet and orange salad. But, feel free to use any fresh greens, like baby spinach, or any other leafy greens.
Pistachios: These nuts add a delicious crunch, and I love their green tint when making this salad for a holiday dinner. But any nuts will be delicious, including walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds.

The ingredients for the salad in glass bowls on a wooden board.

Dressing Ingredients

Olive oil: For best results, use extra virgin olive oil for the base of the salad dressing.
White wine vinegar: You can also use white balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard gives this beet orange salad a delicious hint of spice.

The ingredients for the salad dressing in glass bowls, on a wooden board.

How to make it, step by step

Scrub the beets and trim them by removing the stem and tail ends with a sharp knife.
Wrap beets in foil and roast until fork tender, 45-60 minutes. Remove them from the foil packets and allow them to cool.

Raw beets on a cutting board with stem and tail ends sliced off.

Two packages of beets wrapped in aluminum foil, on a baking sheet.

When the beets are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. Cut the cooked beets into wedges. Set aside to cool completely.
Peel the oranges and divide into segments, removing any excess white pith.

Cooked and peeled beets on a cutting board, sliced with a knife.

In a large bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, and salt.
Add the beet slices and orange segments, tossing gently to coat.
Arrange arugula in a salad bowl or platter.
Arrange the beet mixture over the arugula. Sprinkle with the pistachios before serving.

Putting the salad together, step by step.

Tips and variations

Additions: Red onion slices are a great addition to this beet and orange salad. You can also add cheese. Feta cheese, goat cheese, or shaved parmesan cheese are all great options.
Garnish: Add some fresh herbs for garnish and flavor. Try fresh mint leaves, basil leaves, or parsley.
Dressing: Replace the white wine vinegar with unsweetened orange juice and orange zest for an orange vinaigrette. (You can also use lemon juice).
Make it sweeter: Although I find that this roasted beet salad has plenty of natural sweetness from the beets and oranges, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the salad dressing if you like a touch of extra sweetness.
Beet tops: if your beets still have the greens attached, don't throw them away! They are delicious when sautéed with garlic and lemon. (Get the recipe: sautéed beet greens).
Beet juice: Wear gloves if you want to avoid staining your hands when handling cooked beets. You can avoid staining your cutting board by washing it immediately in warm, soapy water.
Storage: If you want to make the beet salad ahead and store it before serving, keep the salad separate from the arugula until serving it. Add the pistachios right before serving. The salad will keep, without the greens, for up to three days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

A close up of beet and orange salad with arugula and pistachios.

Serving suggestions

This is a great salad for a light lunch on its own. But it's also an especially great side dish for almost any protein. I like to serve it with these grilled boneless chicken thighs, or air fryer baked salmon. It's also great with meatloaf, or country style ribs.

Are you a beet lover? Try these recipes, too

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Recipe

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Beet and Orange Salad

Roasted beet and orange salad is a delicious combination of sweet, earthy beets, and tangy oranges. Simply served on a bed of peppery arugula and topped with toasted pistachios and a simple homemade vinaigrette.

4.99 from 59 votes

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: North American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 192kcal

Author: Colleen Milne

Ingredients

▢ 5 medium beets trimmed and scrubbed
▢ 3 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
▢ 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
▢ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ 5 mandarin oranges peeled & segmented
▢ 2 cups arugula
▢ ½ cup pistachios shelled & roasted

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 400°
Scrub the beets and trim them by removing the stem and tail ends with a sharp knife.
Wrap beets in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast until they are fork tender, about 60 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. Remove them from the foil packets and allow them to cool.
When the beets are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. Cut beets into wedges. Set aside to cool completely.
Peel the oranges and divide into segments, removing any excess white pith.
In a large bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, and salt. Add the beet slices and orange segments, tossing gently to coat.
Arrange arugula in a salad bowl or platter.
Arrange the beet mixture over the arugula.
Sprinkle with the pistachios before serving.

Nutrition

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Comments

4.99 from 59 votes (25 ratings without comment)

Roasted Beet and Orange Salad

Why you'll love this orange beet salad