15-Minute Beet, Mandarin and Spinach Salad

Prep: 5 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Beet, Mandarin and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed

Bright, refreshing salad pairing peppery spinach with earthy beets and sweet mandarin oranges, finished with creamy poppy seed dressing. Choose canned beets for a quick weeknight side or roast fresh beets for deeper flavor and a more substantial dish. Serve alongside grilled proteins or as a light lunch. The citrus-beet combination offers natural sweetness balanced by the dressing's subtle tang.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • 6 ounce fresh spinach leaves
    arugula1:1leafy greens

    peppery alternative

    Full guide →
  • 1 15-ounce can beets, cut, well drained
  • 1 11-ounce can mandarin oranges, in light syrup, well drained
    fresh orange segments1:1citrus

    more textural

  • ¼ cup poppy seed dressing, bottled
    balsamic vinaigrette1:1condiment

    lighter option

  • 3 whole fresh beets(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place spinach in a salad bowl.

  2. 2

    Add beets, mandarin oranges, and dressing.

  3. 3

    Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Tips

Tip 1

For canned beets, drain thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from wilting the spinach or diluting the dressing.

Tip 2

Make fresh roasted beets up to 3 days ahead; store in an airtight container and bring to room temperature before adding to the salad.

Tip 3

Swap poppy seed for a light vinaigrette, balsamic, or citrus dressing if preferred; adjust quantity based on dressing thickness.

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Add dressing just before serving to prevent wilting.

Make Ahead

Prepare fresh roasted beets up to 3 days ahead. Keep spinach, oranges, and beets separate until assembly.

Serve With

Serve immediately after tossing. Chill bowl and ingredients for a cold salad, or serve at room temperature.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip draining canned beets and oranges thoroughly to avoid soggy, diluted salad.

Watch

Do not overdress or toss excessively to avoid breaking delicate spinach leaves.

Watch

Do not add dressing more than 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent wilting.

Substitutions

poppy seed dressing→
balsamic vinaigrette1:1condiment

lighter option

spinach→
arugula1:1leafy greens

peppery alternative

Full guide →
mandarin oranges→
fresh orange segments1:1citrus

more textural

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes, prepare fresh beets up to 3 days ahead. Keep spinach, oranges, and beets separate; combine and dress just before serving to prevent sogginess.

What if I don't have poppy seed dressing?

Substitute with balsamic vinaigrette, citrus vinaigrette, or basic oil and vinegar. Use the same quantity and adjust to taste.

How long can I keep roasted fresh beets?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before adding to the salad.