If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful crunch, look no further than this Spiralized Raw Beet and Blood Orange Salad Recipe. It’s a fabulous way to enjoy the natural sweetness of raw beets combined with the tangy brightness of blood oranges, all brought together with fresh mint and a light, zesty dressing. Whether you want a stunning side dish or a refreshing light lunch, this salad will charm your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spiralized Raw Beet and Blood Orange Salad Recipe is all about simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its unique flavor and texture. Every component contributes freshness, color, or a burst of brightness that makes this dish truly special.
- 3 small beets: Raw and spiralized, they offer a sweet earthiness and a lovely crunchy texture.
- 1 large carrot: Adds a crisp, sweet contrast and vibrant orange color to the salad.
- 1 blood orange (peeled and sliced): Brings juicy citrus notes and a stunning deep red hue.
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint (finely chopped): Introduces a refreshing herbal lift that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (or to taste): Provides a subtle tang to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (or to taste): Adds smooth richness and helps meld the flavors together.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and highlighting the natural flavors.
How to Make Spiralized Raw Beet and Blood Orange Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Spiralize the Vegetables
Start by peeling the beets and carrot carefully to remove any rough outer skin. Using a spiralizer set to the medium “noodle” setting, turn these vibrant vegetables into long, fun spiral strands. This not only creates a beautiful texture but also makes the salad easy to eat and incredibly eye-catching. Toss your freshly spiralized beets and carrots into a large salad bowl to get ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Add the Blood Oranges and Fresh Mint
Now, peel your blood orange and slice it into bite-size pieces—its juicy, slightly tart character adds a necessary burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the earthy beets. Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh mint over the bowl. The mint will lift the entire salad with its cooling, aromatic presence, making the flavors sing together perfectly.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle the red wine vinegar and olive oil over the bowl, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste. The vinaigrette will enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables and oranges while adding a gentle acidity. Toss everything together carefully but thoroughly, so each spiralized strand and orange segment is lightly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness.
How to Serve Spiralized Raw Beet and Blood Orange Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add even more personality, consider garnishing the salad with toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta cheese. These add subtle crunch or creaminess and elevate the flavor depth without overpowering the freshness of the salad.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. It also works well alongside rustic bread or a quinoa pilaf, making it incredibly versatile whether for a light lunch or a colorful side at dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in clear glass bowls or on vibrant plates to showcase its stunning colors. You may also layer the spiralized vegetables and oranges in a mason jar for a portable, grab-and-go lunch that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Spiralized Raw Beet and Blood Orange Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume within 24 hours since the fresh vegetables will slowly soften and the blood orange juice may make the salad a bit more watery.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content in the beets and oranges, which will cause the texture to become mushy upon thawing. Fresh is definitely best here!
Reheating
Since this is a raw, fresh salad, it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—doing so would alter the crisp textures and vibrant flavors that make this dish so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of oranges in this spiralized raw beet and blood orange salad recipe?
Absolutely! While blood oranges add a unique beautiful color and flavor, you can substitute with navel oranges or even a mix of citrus like grapefruit and tangerines for a delightful twist.
Is it necessary to spiralize the beets and carrot, or can I shred or julienne them instead?
You can definitely shred or julienne the vegetables if you don’t have a spiralizer. The key is to keep the pieces thin and uniform to maintain the crisp texture and ensure the dressing coats everything evenly.
How long do I need to peel the blood orange before slicing?
Peeling blood oranges is easy: simply cut off the top and bottom, then run a sharp knife along the sides to remove the peel, including the white pith, which can be bitter. Once peeled, slice the orange as desired.
Can I make this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Spiralized Raw Beet and Blood Orange Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a healthy, allergy-friendly choice perfect for many dietary needs.
What variations can I try with the dressing?
Feel free to experiment with the dressing by adding a teaspoon of honey for sweetness or a dash of Dijon mustard for a little extra zing. Lemon juice can also substitute the vinegar for a fresh citrus twist.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Spiralized Raw Beet and Blood Orange Salad Recipe—it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate that’s incredibly simple to prepare. I encourage you to try it out soon, whether as a bright addition to your weeknight dinner or a standout dish to impress your friends. Once you taste that sweet earthiness combined with zesty citrus and cooling mint, it’s sure to become a favorite in your salad repertoire.
Print
Spiralized Raw Beet and Blood Orange Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant raw beet salad featuring spiralized beets and carrot, combined with juicy blood orange slices and fresh mint. This no-cook salad is lightly dressed with red wine vinegar and olive oil, making it a perfect light and healthy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 small beets, peeled and spiralized
- 1 large carrot, peeled and spiralized
Fruits & Herbs
- 1 blood orange, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel the beets and carrot thoroughly, then spiralize them using a medium ‘noodle’ setting. Transfer the spiralized vegetables to a large salad bowl to create the base of your salad.
- Add fruit and herbs: Peel and slice the blood orange into segments or rounds and add them to the salad bowl. Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh mint over the top to introduce a lovely burst of flavor and freshness.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the red wine vinegar and olive oil over the salad ingredients. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to combine and ensure the dressing evenly coats the vegetables and fruit. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- To spiralize the vegetables evenly, use a medium-sized blade on your spiralizer.
- You can substitute blood oranges with regular oranges or mandarins if out of season.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crisp texture of the spiralized vegetables.
- Add a handful of toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor if desired.
- For a vegan and gluten-free salad, ensure no added ingredients contain animal products or gluten.
