1. Roast the Beets:

The first step in preparing this beautiful salad is roasting the beets. Roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of the beets and brings out their earthy flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Wash the beets thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. Leave the skin on and trim the tops and bottoms.

• Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil.

• Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast them for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a fork can easily slide into the beets.

• Once done, let the beets cool slightly, then peel the skin off using your hands or a paper towel. Slice them into wedges or rounds, depending on your preference.

2. Prepare the Citrus:

While the beets are roasting, it’s time to prepare the citrus fruits. The oranges add a juicy, tangy contrast to the roasted beets.

• Peel and segment the oranges. To do this, use a sharp knife to slice off the top and bottom, then carefully cut away the peel and pith.

• Afterward, cut between the membranes to release the segments. This will give you perfectly segmented orange pieces that are easy to toss into the salad.

3. Toast the Nuts:

The toasted walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch to the salad, elevating its texture.

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pecans for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and fragrant.

• Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to cool.

4. Assemble the Salad:

Now that you’ve roasted the beets, prepared the citrus, and toasted the nuts, it’s time to assemble the salad.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the arugula (or mixed greens), roasted beets, orange segments, and red onion (if using).

• Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad.

• Add the toasted nuts for a crunchy finish.

5. Make the Dressing:

The dressing is what ties all the ingredients together and enhances their flavors.

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), and salt and pepper until well combined.

• Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.

6. Toss and Serve:

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a more tangy flavor, add more vinegar or a little more honey for sweetness.

7. Serve:

• Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of roasted beets, citrus, and the creamy tang of cheese!