Beet Salad With Spinach and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
+8 photos

Beet Salad With Spinach and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

6 servings
This tasty beet salad is loaded with flavor and texture, with a little bacon, spinach, balsamic vinaigrette, beets, and onion, along with optional feta cheese and pecans.

Ingredients

  • optional: pecan halves

    or walnuts, toasted

  • slices bacon

    diced, or about 3 ounces of diced pancetta

    2
  • beets

    trimmed, cooked, peeled, and diced

    1 lb
  • spinach
    4 c
  • red onion

    thinly sliced

    ¼ c
  • optional: shredded cheese

    or crumbled goat cheese or feta

  • garlic

    crushed and minced

    1 clove
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ⅛ tsp
  • dijon mustard

    or a similar gourmet mustard

    1 tbsp
  • honey
    4 tbsp
  • balsamic vinegar
    ⅓ c
  • olive oil
    ⅝ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather the ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Arrange the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly until the nuts are lightly browned and aromatic.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    In a skillet over medium heat, fry the diced bacon until crisp or fry the pancetta until browned.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Transfer to paper towels to drain.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Dice the bacon and set aside.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Arrange spinach leaves on 4 salad plates. Top with diced beets, diced bacon or pancetta, red onion, and pecans or walnuts. If desired, top with cheese.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    In a bowl or blender, combine the garlic, salt, pepper, mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk or blend in the olive oil in a steady stream.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve on the side.

    Step 8
  9. 9

    Enjoy!

Beet Salad With Spinach and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
+8

Beet Salad With Spinach and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

150 min6 servings362 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s anything but boring? This Beet Salad With Spinach and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delightful appetizer bursting with an exciting array of tastes and textures that will awaken your palate.

Why This Salad Works So Well

What truly makes this beet salad special is its thoughtful combination of rich, earthy beets, tender spinach, and savory bacon, all brought together by a bright, sweet, and tangy honey balsamic vinaigrette. The optional additions of crunchy pecans and creamy feta cheese elevate it further, providing a symphony of contrasting elements in every forkful. It’s a recipe that masterfully balances flavors to create a truly memorable dish.

What to Expect From This Delicious Dish

Prepare for a salad experience that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. You'll enjoy the tender, sweet earthiness of the diced beets, complemented by the fresh, mild bitterness of spinach. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from crispy bacon and, if included, the nutty texture of pecans. The homemade honey balsamic vinaigrette coats everything beautifully, offering a perfect blend of sweet honey and sharp balsamic vinegar, with a hint of pungent garlic and savory Dijon mustard. This salad delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, making it a perfect starter for any meal.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. For different nutty notes, swap the pecan halves for toasted walnuts. If you don't have bacon on hand, about 3 ounces of diced pancetta makes a fantastic substitution, offering a similar savory depth. To add a creamy, salty counterpoint, try crumbled goat cheese or traditional feta instead of a shredded cheese. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon.

Serving & Context

This beautiful beet salad makes an elegant and satisfying appetizer, perfect for a dinner party or a special family meal. Its vibrant colors also make it a visually stunning addition to any table.

Frequently Asked Questions