Last Sunday morning, I found myself standing in the kitchen with Lila and Jack bouncing around, asking what was for brunch.
Grace was coming over, and I wanted something special—something bright and beautiful that would make our table feel like a celebration. I remembered the gorgeous beets I’d picked up at the farmers market, and suddenly it hit me: a beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish that would bring color, freshness, and that perfect balance of sweet and tangy to our meal.
Mark always loved beets, and making this dish felt like honoring his memory while creating new ones with my kids. The vibrant reds and oranges reminded me of Oregon sunrises, and I knew this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish would become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beet Citrus Salad for Brunch
This beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish checks all the boxes for busy families. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, even when you’re juggling kids and weekend plans. The combination of earthy roasted beets and bright citrus creates a flavor profile that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
Additionally, this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish looks absolutely stunning on any table. The deep crimson beets paired with vibrant orange segments create a visual masterpiece that impresses guests without requiring fancy culinary skills. Lila actually gasped when she saw it plated—that’s when I knew I had a winner.
Moreover, this salad brings nutritional powerhouse ingredients together. Beets provide fiber, folate, and antioxidants, while citrus fruits deliver vitamin C. The healthy fats from nuts or seeds add satisfying texture. You’re serving your family something that tastes indulgent but nourishes their bodies beautifully.
Finally, this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish works for any season. You can find beets and citrus year-round, making it a reliable go-to whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or a cozy winter gathering. It’s versatile, delicious, and always crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish is straightforward. I love recipes that don’t require hunting down obscure items, and this one keeps things beautifully simple.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medium beets | 4-5, trimmed |
| Oranges | 2-3 large |
| Grapefruit | 1 large |
| Mixed salad greens | 4 cups |
| Goat cheese or feta | 4 oz, crumbled |
| Toasted walnuts or pistachios | 1/2 cup |
| Red onion | 1/4 small, thinly sliced |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
When selecting beets for this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish, look for firm ones without soft spots. Fresh citrus should feel heavy for its size, indicating juiciness. These small details make a significant difference in the final result.
Substitutions & Variations
This beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish adapts beautifully to what you have on hand. Can’t find grapefruit? Use blood oranges or tangerines instead. The key is maintaining that citrus brightness that contrasts the earthy beets.
For the cheese component, try blue cheese if you want something bold, or skip it entirely for a vegan version. I’ve made this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish with crumbled vegan feta for Grace, who occasionally eats dairy-free, and it was delicious.
Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds if dealing with nut allergies. Each brings its own character while adding that essential crunch. Furthermore, you can use arugula instead of mixed greens for a peppery kick that complements the sweet beets perfectly.
For added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas. This transforms the beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish into a complete meal that satisfies heartier appetites.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish is easier than you might think. I promise, even if beets intimidate you, these steps will guide you through successfully.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil after drizzling with a bit of olive oil and seasoning with salt. This method for the beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish ensures tender, perfectly cooked beets.
Step 2: Roast beets for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender. Cooking time depends on beet size. Once done, let them cool, then peel the skins off—they should slip right off. Jack loves helping with this part, though we always end up with pink fingers!
Step 3: While beets roast, prepare your citrus. Use a sharp knife to cut away the peel and pith, then segment the oranges and grapefruit. This technique makes the beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish much more elegant and easier to eat.
Step 4: Slice the cooled beets into wedges or rounds—whatever you prefer. I usually do wedges for this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish because they hold up nicely when tossing.
Step 5: Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust. The dressing should be balanced—not too sweet, not too tart.
Step 6: Arrange greens on a large platter. Top with beets, citrus segments, red onion slices, cheese, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing just before serving. This presentation makes the beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish look absolutely restaurant-worthy.
Making this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish is easier than you might think. For a delightful dessert to complement your meal, consider trying these creamy mini oreo cheesecake bites.
Pro Tips for Success
After making this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish countless times, I’ve learned some tricks that elevate it from good to spectacular.
First, roast your beets ahead of time. You can do this up to three days in advance, storing them in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish incredibly quick when you’re actually ready to serve.
Second, always dress your salad just before serving. Greens wilt quickly under dressing, and you want everything crisp and fresh. I learned this the hard way during one brunch when I dressed everything too early—lesson learned!
Third, toast your nuts fresh. Pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. This small step brings out incredible flavor and makes your beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish taste so much better.
Additionally, save some citrus juice from segmenting to add to your dressing. It’s already there, and it adds beautiful fresh flavor. Waste not, want not—something Dad always taught me.
Finally, don’t skip the red onion. Slice it paper-thin and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness. This technique ensures the onion enhances rather than overwhelms the beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead for convenience. Store roasted beets in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator.
Keep citrus segments separate in their own container for up to three days. They’ll release juice, which you can use in dressings or morning smoothies. The dressing stores beautifully for a week in a sealed jar.
However, I don’t recommend assembling the entire beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish ahead of time. The greens will wilt, and everything becomes soggy. Instead, prep all components separately and toss just before serving.
Leftover dressed salad doesn’t keep well, so only dress what you’ll eat immediately. Any undressed components can be repurposed—add them to grain bowls, sandwiches, or omelets throughout the week.
This beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead for convenience. If you’re looking for a sweet treat to share, check out these heart shaped chocolate chip cookies.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish pairs beautifully with so many brunch favorites. I love serving it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and buttered toast for a complete, balanced meal.
It also complements quiche perfectly. The fresh, bright flavors of this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish cut through rich, creamy quiche beautifully. Add some crispy bacon or sausage, and you’ve got a brunch spread everyone will remember.
For lighter fare, serve this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish with smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels. The earthy-sweet flavors harmonize wonderfully with smoky fish.
French toast or pancakes also make great companions. When Grace comes over, we often do sweet and savory—the beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish provides that fresh, healthy counterpoint to indulgent breakfast sweets.
Don’t forget beverages! Mimosas, fresh-squeezed orange juice, or herbal tea all complement this salad beautifully. The citrus notes echo throughout the meal, creating a cohesive brunch experience.
FAQs
Can I use canned beets for this beet citrus salad?
Yes, you absolutely can use canned beets for this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish if you’re short on time. Drain them well and pat dry before using. However, roasted fresh beets offer superior flavor and texture—they’re worth the extra effort when possible.
How do I keep beets from staining everything?
Wear disposable gloves when handling roasted beets for this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish. If your hands do get stained, rub them with lemon juice and salt. For cutting boards, use one designated for strongly colored foods, or place parchment paper underneath.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish remains delicious and satisfying without cheese. The citrus, nuts, and dressing provide plenty of flavor and richness.
What’s the best way to segment citrus fruit?
Cut off both ends of the fruit, then slice away the peel and white pith. Hold the fruit over a bowl and cut between the membranes to release each segment. This technique makes your beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish look professional and taste better.
How far in advance can I prep this salad?
You can roast beets three days ahead, segment citrus two days ahead, and make dressing one week ahead. However, assemble this beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish no more than 30 minutes before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Vitamin C | 45% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
This beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish provides excellent nutritional value with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It’s a feel-good dish that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds. Serve it at your next brunch gathering and watch it disappear!
Print
beet citrus salad recipe easy brunch side dish
- Total Time: 80 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This beet citrus salad recipe is a vibrant and nutritious brunch side dish that combines earthy roasted beets with bright citrus fruits, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It's simple to prepare and visually stunning, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
4–5 Medium beets
2–3 large Oranges
1 large Grapefruit
4 cups Mixed salad greens
4 oz Goat cheese or feta, crumbled
1/2 cup Toasted walnuts or pistachios
1/4 small Red onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons Olive oil
2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil after drizzling with a bit of olive oil and seasoning with salt
- Step 2: Roast beets for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender. Once done, let them cool, then peel the skins off
- Step 3: While beets roast, prepare your citrus by cutting away the peel and pith, then segment the oranges and grapefruit
- Step 4: Slice the cooled beets into wedges or rounds
- Step 5: Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper
- Step 6: Arrange greens on a large platter. Top with beets, citrus segments, red onion slices, cheese, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing just before serving
Notes
Roast beets ahead of time to save on prep time.
Dress the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp.
Toast nuts fresh for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
A beet citrus salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that combines roasted beets with fresh citrus fruits, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This salad not only adds vibrancy to your table but also offers numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice for brunch gatherings and special occasions. For more information, visit this salad page.