Mediterranean Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad

Mediterranean Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad

With Herbed Cottage Cheese and Toasted Pistachios

This salad is a celebration of texture and bold flavors: sweet roasted beets, juicy citrus slices, herby cottage cheese, and crunchy pistachios. The ingredients are simple, but when combined, they deliver a refreshing and deeply satisfying Mediterranean experience. It’s not just a salad—it’s a showstopper.

Time Overview

Ingredients

Salad Base

2 medium red beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced

2 medium golden beets (optional), roasted and chopped

1–2 clementines or oranges, sliced and lightly charred or fresh

1 cup baby kale or arugula

½ cup cottage cheese (or use labneh or ricotta)

¼ cup roasted pistachios, shelled

Fresh herbs (parsley or mint), chopped

Olive oil, for drizzling

For the Dressing (Optional)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar

½ tsp ground cumin or za’atar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Beets

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Wash beets and wrap them in foil. Roast for 35–45 minutes until fork-tender.

Let cool slightly, peel, and slice or chop.

Step 2: Char or Prep the Citrus

Slice the citrus crosswise.

For a charred effect, sear on a hot dry pan for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly caramelized (optional).

Step 3: Mix Dressing (Optional)

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, cumin/za’atar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Lay a base of greens on a large platter or bowl.

Neatly arrange the beets, citrus slices, and dollops of cottage cheese.

Sprinkle with pistachios and herbs.

Drizzle with dressing and a touch of olive oil.

Add a pinch of za’atar or sumac for extra Mediterranean flair (optional).

Tips 

Roast Beets in Advance

Beets take time to roast and cool. Roast them a day ahead and store them in the fridge to save time and enhance their sweetness.

Use High-Quality Citrus

Choose sweet, seedless citrus like clementines, mandarins, or blood oranges for more vibrant color and taste.

Balance the Texture

Beets = earthy & soft

Pistachios = crunchy

Cottage cheese = creamy

Citrus = juicy & bright
This contrast is key—don’t skip any!

Layer Thoughtfully

Arrange each component in clusters rather than mixing everything together. It looks beautiful and lets diners combine flavors as they like.

Season the Cottage Cheese

Add a sprinkle of za’atar, sumac, or black pepper to the cottage cheese before plating for extra depth.

Variations 

Greens Swap

Try arugula, baby spinach, or mixed spring greens in place of kale.

Cheese Substitutes

Not into cottage cheese? Use:

Feta crumbles

Labneh

Ricotta

Goat cheese

Add More Roasted Veggies

Roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips add sweetness and warmth.

Boost the Protein

Add chickpeas, lentils, or grilled chicken slices to make it a meal.

Add Crunch

Add crispy pita chips, roasted chickpeas, or croutons instead of pistachios for a different crunch.

Add Creaminess

Sliced avocado adds richness and pairs beautifully with citrus and beets.

Make It Spicy

Add thin-sliced chili or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy Mediterranean fusion twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked beets?

A: Absolutely! Store-bought cooked beets (vacuum-packed) save time and still taste great. Just make sure they’re plain, without vinegar or seasoning.

Q: Can this salad be made ahead of time?

A: Yes—with slight adjustments:

Roast the beets and prepare the citrus and cheese in advance.

Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the textures fresh.

Q: Is there a vegan version?

A: Yes! Swap cottage cheese with:

Vegan herbed cream cheese

Cashew cheese

Hummus dollops for a creamy base

Q: Can I use canned citrus or fruit cups?

A: It’s better to use fresh citrus. Canned fruit can be too sweet or mushy and lacks that fresh brightness.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep nuts and cheese separate if possible to preserve texture.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – approx. 1.5 cups)

Values will vary depending on cheese type and dressing used.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad is a perfect harmony of earthy, creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors—an edible mosaic of color and nourishment. It works beautifully as:

A standalone light lunch

A starter at dinner parties

A vibrant side to grilled meats or falafel

With simple ingredients, this dish reflects everything wonderful about Mediterranean cuisine: freshness, balance, and heart-healthy goodness.