
Golden Beet and Fennel Salad with Citrus Honey Vinaigrette
Get ready to dazzle your taste buds! This Golden Beet and Fennel Salad is a crisp, vibrant mix of earthy sweetness and zesty citrus zing. Tossed in a luscious honey vinaigrette, it’s fresh, bright, and simply irresistible. Let’s slice, whisk, and dig in together!
4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
- •4 medium golden beets, peeled and quartered
- •1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- •2 oranges, segmented
- •1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- •2 cups arugula
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 tablespoon honey
- •1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- •1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- •1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- •Salt to taste
- •Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the peeled and quartered golden beets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
- 2
While the beets are roasting, thinly slice the fennel bulb and segment the oranges. To segment the oranges, cut away the peel and pith, then cut out the segments between the membranes. Set the fennel and orange segments aside.
- 3
Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- 4
Prepare the citrus honey vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, orange juice, dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 5
In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted golden beets, sliced fennel, orange segments, arugula, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently to combine.
- 6
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately or chill for later. Optional: Add crumbled goat cheese or toasted walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
- 7
Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful salad as a side dish or a light main course!
Nutrition Information
Calories
220 calories
Protein
4g
Carbs
20g
Fat
14g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare most components in advance. Roast the beets, slice the fennel, segment the oranges, and make the vinaigrette up to 1 day ahead. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine and dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for golden beets?
A: If golden beets are unavailable, you can use red beets. However, note that red beets may stain the other ingredients, so you might want to toss them with a bit of vinaigrette separately before adding them to the salad. Alternatively, roasted sweet potatoes or carrots can be used for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Q: Is there a substitute for fennel if I don't like its flavor?
A: If you're not a fan of fennel's mild licorice flavor, you can substitute thinly sliced celery or cucumber for a similar crunch. Another option is to use shaved Brussels sprouts or julienned jicama for a fresh, crisp texture.
Q: How do I toast almonds without burning them?
A: Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. It usually takes 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the skillet immediately once they turn golden and fragrant.
Q: Can I store leftovers of this salad?
A: Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the arugula may wilt slightly, and the salad may become less crisp. If you plan to store leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before eating.
Q: What variations can I try to customize this salad?
A: You can add crumbled goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese for a creamy element. Toasted walnuts or pecans can be used instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor. For added protein, include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can also experiment with different greens like spinach or mixed baby greens instead of arugula.
Q: What if my vinaigrette tastes too tart or too sweet?
A: If the vinaigrette is too tart, add a bit more honey or a splash of orange juice to balance the acidity. If it's too sweet, add a bit more lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Always taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Make This Recipe Your Own
AI Chef Assistant
Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef
Smart Scaling
Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs
Ingredient Swaps
Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions
Search for "Golden Beet and Fennel Salad with Citrus Honey Vinaigrette" in the DigiDish app to get started!
More Recipes You'll Love
Get ready to spice up your table! This Spiced Peach and Ginger Chutney is a flavor-packed blend of sweet, tangy, and zes...
Fire up your grill and grab your appetite because this Grilled Honey Ginger Shrimp Bowl is a flavor-packed party! Sweet,...
Get ready to fire up the grill! This zesty citrus-marinated chicken hits all the right notes—juicy, tender, and bursting...
Get ready to fire up your taste buds! This Smoky Corn Chowder brings together sweet corn, bold roasted Hatch chiles, and...
Ready to wow your taste buds? These Crispy Halloumi Bites are golden, salty perfection, paired with a refreshing Waterme...